Dawn Marie Topel, 66, of Onalaska, passed away suddenly on Saturday, June 8, 2013 at Gundersen Health System in La Crosse. She was born on April 5, 1947 and raised by Walter and Irene (Steele) Hartley. She married Alan Topel on November 7, 1980 in Onalaska.

She was an avid reader, enjoyed crossword puzzles, bingo, going out to dinner and mostly spending time with her grandchildren. She worked as a nurse at St. Francis Hospital, Lakeview Health Center and retired from Bethany St. Joseph Care Center.

She is survived by her husband, Al; children, Joanne Piddington of Madison, WI, Jackie (Kraig) Koelbl of Onalaska, WI, Chris (Dean) Lounsbrough of Onalaska, WI, Cari Young of Lindstrom, MN, Shelly (Paul) Janikowski of Onalaska, WI, David (Jackie) Topel of Stoddard, WI, Darin Topel of La Crosse, WI, Heidi (Jason) Eller of Belleville, IL, Heather Topel of Pittsfield, ME; 20 grandchildren; sisters, Mary Hartley of Onalaska, WI,. Laura Proctor of Pittsburg, KA, Emilie (Larry) Capps of Pittsburg, KA; and many other relatives and friends.

She is preceded in death by her parents, and brother Tom Hartley.

The family would like to thank the Gundersen Health System emergency and critical care units for their valiant efforts.

A memorial service will be held Thursday, June 13th at 11:00 am at Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church, 1215 Redwood St., Onalaska, WI. The Rev. Donald Stein will officiate with interment at Onalaska City Cemetery. Visitations will be held Wednesday, June 12th from 4 pm – 7pm and one hour prior to the service, both at the church. In lieu of flowers, memorials are preffered to Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church building fund, the Onalaska Legion Baseball Team, or the Center for Autism. Coulee Region Cremation Group is assisting the family.