Dawn Marie Gejvre Kuchenmeister

March 16, 1945 – December 12, 2023

Dawn Marie Gjevre Kuchenmeister: March 16, 1945 – December 12, 2023

Dawn Marie Gejvre Kuchenmeister was born March 16, 1945 in San Diego, CA to Esadore (Jeff) Sylvester Gjevre and Virginia Pollock Gjevre. Dawn was the second child, but raised as an only child as her brother Gary died soon after he was born.

Dawn spent her early years in Ketchum, ID. Her Parents worked at the Sun Valley Lodge and Dawn learned to ski at an early age. They later moved to Reno, NV where her parents managed motels. Dawn was baptized in the motel swimming pool as a child. She graduated from Reno High School in 1963. Dawn attended Brigham Young University (BYU) in Provo, UT studying Library Science, and in the summers, she went home to Reno to work at Harrah’s Club in the information booth.

Dawn made many friends during high school and college who became like family to her, and these friendships have lasted throughout her life. What a blessing to her children. Dawn was just a few credits short of finishing her Bachelor’s degree when she met Joe Kuchenmeister while home in Reno for a visit. Joe had grown up in Duluth, Minnesota, and had come to Reno to study geology at the University of Nevada. Joe and Dawn were a match made in heaven, and were married on April 27, 1968, in Reno, Nevada. They were later sealed in the Cardston, Alberta (Canada) Temple.

Dawn and Joe were faithful members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints throughout their married lives, and tried to follow the teachings of Jesus Christ in their home. Dawn held many callings in the church throughout her life and she especially loved teaching.

Dawn and Joe took seriously the Savior’s words: “A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another” (John 13: 34-35). As part of their love for our Savior, Dawn & Joe welcomed many foster children into their home through the years, providing love and stability. The Kuchenmeister family just loved, and everyone knew there was always a place at the table and room in their hearts for one more. Mom and Dad’s children are many because of the love they shared and received.

Dawn and Joe lived many places in their lives due to the volatility of Mining. They spent most of their time living in Wallace, Idaho, Republic, Washington, Elko, Nevada, and Ephraim, Utah and every place was home.

Dawn was quick to make friends and jump into opportunities to serve in her community. She loved her time serving as a facilitator and member of the support group for family members who have experienced suicide. Dawn mostly worked and served in the schools with Booster Club being one of her favorites. You could often find her in the school library offering a listening ear and a hug for anyone who needed it. As one former student wrote, “She was such a blessing to all that had a chance to know her. Lots of great lessons learned from her in that library that didn’t come from any book.”

Dawn was preceded in death by her husband, Joseph Kuchenmeister; son, Jeff Kuchenmeister; parents, Esadore “Jeff” and Virginia Gjevre; brother, Gary Gjevre; father- and mother-in-law, Leo and Stella Kuchenmeister; and two brothers-in-law, Martin and Donald “Skip” Donahue.

Dawn is survived by her children Emily (Darren) Johnson of Nyssa, OR; John (Emilee) Kuchenmeister of Mt. Pleasant, UT; Kris (Ashley) Kuchenmeister of Farr West, UT; Ashley Willis of Omak, WA; Khari Kuchenmeister of Palm Springs, CA; Laurie (Skip) Donahue; Karen (Martin) Wagner; 14 grandchildren; 4 great grandchildren; many wonderful nieces and nephews; and countless foster children who spent time in their home through the years and were loved as family.

The Kuchenmeister family would like to thank the caregivers at the care facilities where Dawn stayed the past few years. Their dedicated and thoughtful service to Dawn and her needs meant so much to her and the rest of the family. In addition, the many visits by friends and neighbors, expressions of kindness, and support for Dawn and her children mean so much to our family.

In the words of Joe, “Dawn made it (to Heaven), good for her!”

Funeral services will be held Saturday December 23, 2023, at 11:00 a.m. in the Mt. Pleasant North Stake Center with a viewing from 9:30 ­ 10:30 a.m prior to services. Interment in the Ephraim Park Cemetery. Online condolences and live Zoom link at rasmussenmortuary.com in her obituary.