Dawn Nelson Hafen

On Thursday, April 17, 2025 (a beautiful Spring Day during Easter week), Dawn Nelson Hafen completed her journey on earth surrounded by family at her home in Mesquite, Nevada. She is now having a joyous reunion as she starts the next step in our Heavenly Fathers Plan of Salvation.

She was born February 27, 1936 in Redmond, Utah, a small village famous for salt mines and red knolls. Her father, Charles Elmer Nelson, was aged 50, and her mother, Margaret Kate Jensen, was 43. They named her “Dawn” for this new era in their lives.

Already an Aunt when she was born, she grew up with nieces and nephews and cousins. Her Uncle Hilton lived on the other corner of the block with each brother having a barn between their houses. Farm chores and playtime were mixed together in this idyllic setting.

Dawn attended elementary school in Redmond, and North Sevier High in Salina. She ventured to Cedar City and the College of Southern Utah, but returned every weekend “back home to Redmond.” She graduated in 1958 with her teaching degree.

Growing up on a farm, she was determined not to marry a farmer. Traveling through Nevada on family vacations, she vowed never to live there.

A dashing sophomore, who was a Disc Jockey for the college radio, complete with a charming personality, crew cut, and a 1958 Ford Fairline convertible, asked her out on a date. He thought she was a high school Senior. She was about to graduate from college. They dated a while, but after a quarrel, they broke up. Bryan played the song “Return to Me” on air. At the end of the song he said,”I wish she would.” They were married March 14, 1959. He was a farmer. They lived in Nevada. The convertible is still in their garage.

Dawn taught school in Moapa and Virgin Valley. Reading was emphasized in her classroom and students were tasked with reading at home and bringing back notes. “Caterpillar” and “ice cream” charts marked their progress. The Boxcar Children and Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory were read out loud. Vibrant bulletin boards were utilized to accent the subjects, seasons and students and each student had their own “Friend of the Week” bulletin board.

Dawn’s testimony of our Savior and His gospel is tremendous and enduring. She served Him in many capacities. Temple attendance with a group of her “Church Sisters” was a joy. When in charge of a lesson, program, or party, she included a noteworthy song or reading, centerpiece with coordinating table cloth, handout and treat. (Her friend Noma Houston ensured everything was the trendiest.) Serving many, but ministering to the one, she would check on a Primary child who had not attended that day or take an extra “handout” or treat to a shut in. Her last official calling was with her friend Pat Reber when they were called to be “Grandmas” to the Young Women.

Her life’s work was her boys! Cub Scouts. Boy Scouts. Athletics. Future Farmers of America. Good Grades. Church activities. Cooking. Cleaning. Prodding. Encouraging. Demanding. Praying. Loving. She had three goals. Eagle Scout. Mission. Temple Marriage. Times five. These goals were accomplished, all the while giving heed to free agency. The boys could attend church and like it, or they could attend church and not like it. Either way, the boys attended church!

For this work she was rewarded with 25 wonderful grandchildren who she unceasingly spoiled. Although she had a booming teachers’ voice, she never used it on her grandkids. They looked forward to her taking them birthday shopping, but school clothes shopping was exhausting. She wanted them to try on “just one more outfit.”

Dawn is survived by her five sons and daughters in law, Nelson and Laurel of St. George, Derek and Sandy of Bunkerville, Kraig and Aron, Merlin and Victoria, and Tilman and Jennifer of Mesquite, 24 grandchildren and 13 great grandchildren, sister Lora Dee Christensen of Las Vegas, brothers and sisters-in-law Tim Hafen of Pahrump, Monta Hafen of Mesquite, Doug and Ann Hafen of St George.

Preceded in death by her husband, daughters-in-law Kim and Susan, grandson Max, brother and sisters Tilman (Bessie), Melva (Lloyd) Johnson, Lyal (Merlin) Ashman, Vergie (Leedrow) Anderson, De Lora Nelson, brothers-in-law Gary Hafen and Don Christensen, and niece/close friend Kay Ashman Christensen.

The family would like to thank Haille, Heather, Angela, Paula, Karina, Lori, Jaren and Akilah, Estelle and Sarah for their devoted care and attention to our mom. Kim Thompson for doing her nails, Karen Off and all the girls with holes in their jeans at Fringe Salon for keeping her hair pretty, Aunt Monta for her daily phone calls and rides, Aunt Dee for her calls, cruises, and Conference Weekend cabin trips, and Victoria for her work and loving care these last few years.

Viewing will be Friday, April 25, from 5:00 to 7:00pm (all times Nevada time) at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Stake Center on 100 N Arrowhead Lane and Saturday, April 26, from 9 to 10:30am at the same location. Funeral Services will be at 11:00am with burial after the services in the Mesquite Cemetery on Hillside Drive.

Live streaming through Star Mortuary.  Family and friends are invited to leave condolences and memories at www.starmortuary.com