Jennifer Ruth Jarosik

Jennifer Ruth Jarosik (Dawson) passed away unexpectedly on Monday, September 7, 2026 at UW Health in Madison, WI. Here is Jenny’s story, for all of us that knew and loved her. Picture in your mind her telling you her life story. I was born on October 24, 1949, into a loving family of my parents, Percy and Charlotte Dawson, along with my brothers Bill and Paul, in Racine, Wisconsin. I was called Wisconsin’s “Miracle Baby” because I needed a complete blood transfusion at birth due to the RH Factor. My parents lost their third child, Mary Charlotte, within hours after delivery in 1946 due to the RH factor before there was a cure. If it wasn’t for the miracle of science, I wouldn’t have had the amazing life I’ve lived! My parents brought me home from St. Luke’s Hospital to our home on Sunset Heights Drive to meet my two older brothers. Shortly after, we all moved to Boyd Avenue into a two-story home that my grandfather built. What a wonderful family I had with aunts, uncles, cousins and Grandma Johnson! Mom always had Sunday dinner for us following church services at Grange Avenue Methodist. Holidays and birthdays were always celebrated with family both in Racine and Union Grove. I truly believe we were the perfect family just like the shows on television! Mom was my Girl Scout leader; guess you could say scouting was in my blood just like Dad’s. I attended public schools and graduated from Washington Park High School in 1967. At Park, I enjoyed singing with the choir, and somewhere there is an album with me singing a solo. Besides singing, I’ve always enjoyed swimming, bicycling and being with family and friends. After high school, I went to UW-LaCrosse for nursing, but my real story started when I met my Dan! When we were introduced his first comment was, “Are you Dawson’s little sister?” Dan marched with the Chrome Domes and met Paul, who was an instructor. Coming from a family that had been involved in Racine’s drum corps since the 50’s, it was the perfect fit! We married in 1973. Dan was my catalyst in attaining my nursing degree from Madison General in 1973. I then went on to work at Meriter Hospital as an RN and retired after 40 years. Dan and I were together for 54 years until he passed away in 2024. Losing my best friend hasn’t been easy, but the lives we had in Madison were the best! Our families always came first, but our Madison friends were the extended family everyone should be so fortunate to have. Leaving this earth before me were my parents Percy and Charlotte Dawson; my loving in-laws, Anne and Mike Jarosik; my brother-in-law, Tom Stulo; grandparents; aunts and uncles. But I will be survived by my brothers, Bill (Sue) and Paul (Kay) Dawson; (the Mother to Paul’s children, Joan VandenBranden); two loving sister-in laws, Rannie Stulo and Nancy Phillips; along with a legacy of nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews and a wealth of Madison and Racine friends who were our extended family. No one enjoyed a party more than Dan and I! And just like his celebration of life in 2024, I want each of you to enjoy mine on Saturday, October 3rd at Sturino Funeral Home starting at 10 am with laughter, love, and memories. Service will start at 10:30 am. Lunch after I’m laid to rest with my Dano! In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to United Way of Racine County, 2000 Domanik Drive, Racine, WI 53404. We both wish we were with you to tell all of you how much we loved and cherished each of you!

Jennifer Ruth Jarosik

October 24, 1949 - September 7, 2026