David H. Dawson, 94, died Oct. 13, 2013, in Wausau. He was born Sept. 21, 1919, in Brillion to George and Mabel (Stewart) Dawson. He is survived by his wife, Minka; four children, Jennifer Dawson and her husband James Martin, Dean Dawson and his wife Susannah Rankin, Cary Polakowski and her husband John Polakowski, and Cecily Dawson; nine grandchildren; three step-grandchildren; and nine great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by two infant daughters; two brothers, Stewart and Ivan Dawson; and a sister, Jean Dawson. He served in World War II, participating in the invasion at Anzio in Italy as well as serving under General Patton in North Africa. He remained in Europe until the close of WWII, having been awarded the Distinguished Service Cross for Valor, the Bronze Star, the Purple Heart and a Presidential Unit Citation. A service of thanksgiving for his life will be held at First Congregational UCC of Rhinelander Saturday, Oct. 19, at 11 a.m. with visitation at the church from 9 a.m. until the time of service. Officiants will be Rev. Chris Hucker, Rev. Jennifer Dawson and Rev. James Martin. In lieu of other expressions of sympathy, the family requests memorials to the First Congregational Church UCC or the Northwoods Land Trust. (Carlson Funeral Home)