Dawn Lynn (Schmidt) Lawson, age 70 of Apple Valley, Minnesota, passed away peacefully on May 28, 2026. Her life was defined by her compassion, tenacity, and care for her loved ones.

Dawn was born on August 21st, 1955 to Duane Schmidt and Shirley Michaelson in Waconia, Minnesota. She spent her childhood and early adulthood in Minneapolis, Minnesota. She married Michael F. Lawson on December 6th of 1975. She had two sons whom she loved deeply, Michael P. Lawson (Mikie) born in 1977, and Thomas M. Lawson (Tommy) born in 1992. In 2021 she proudly became a grandmother to James F. Lawson (Jamie). Dawn had many careers throughout her life including working as a nurse at the VA hospital, a daycare provider, and a personal care assistant for her son.

Dawn had a special love in her heart for dogs and cared for many throughout her lifetime. She loved playing bingo, was an avid Twins fan, and enjoyed many cruises in her younger years. She could always be found with a hot cup of coffee and ice-cold Coke. Above all, she enjoyed making others laugh and spending time with her boys. Her son, Mikie, wants everyone to know that she was a "very special Mom."

She is survived by her two sons, Michael P. Lawson and Thomas (Hannah) Lawson; her grandson, James Lawson; her brother, Michael Schmidt; her aunt Darla (Greg) Schelitzche, her nephews Austin (Kate) Schmidt and Riley Schmidt, and her cousin Sam Schelitzche. She is preceded in death by her husband, Michael F. Lawson; her father Duane Schmidt; and her mother Shirley Small.

A celebration of Dawn's life will be held on Tuesday, June 2nd, 2026. Visitation will be held at White Funeral Home, located at 14560 Pennock Avenue in Apple Valley, Minnesota at 11:00AM, followed by a graveside service at Lebanon Cemetery at 5450 150th St W. in Apple Valley, Minnesota at 12:00PM.