Dawn M. Caplan, born July 14, 1971, and passed suddenly from a heart attack on March 9, 2023 at her home in La Crosse. She attended State Road Elementary, then Blessed Sacrament, followed by graduation from Aquinas High School. Dawn graduated from Echols Hotel School in Chicago and was immediately hired by the Chicago Hilton in a supervisory position in Room Service. She married David Wills, a chef, in 1991 and divorced seven years later.
In Chicago, she attended Columbia College for several years pursuing a career in Creative Writing. Finally, she found her true niche, graduating with a major in Computer Science, and a minor in Information Technology. Returning to La Crosse in 2012, she was hired by Gundersen Health System to work in the Information Technology Department and remained there for 10 happy and fulfilling years.
Dawn was an avid gardener who spent hours selecting seeds and plants for her spring garden. She had an impressive library of cookbooks, both American and International. She would spend hours preparing exotic dishes with beautiful garnishing, and often photographed and emailed to friends and family.
Dawn is survived by her parents, Dr. Robert and Yvonne Caplan; brother, David (Sherry) of Mankato, Minnesota; and an uncle, Dr. Louis J. Caplan of Hays, Kansas.
Dawn was preceded in death by both sets of grandparents; her beloved cat, Goldie; and dog, Sebastian.
We were all happier for having known and loved her. A private burial was held at Oak Grove Cemetery in La Crosse.
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