Dawn Renee Tate

Dawn Renee Tate passed away on Sunday, May 25, 2025. Dawn was born on September 15, 1961, to Bonnie Maurer and Larry Vielhak in Bloomington, Illinois. Dawn married Ray Williams in 1978. Two daughters were born to them, Andrea Jenette and Desiree Nicole. Ray passed in 2017. Dawn married Kevin in Honolulu, Hawaii on July 4, 2013. He passed away in 2021.

Dawn is survived by her mother, Bonnie Crowe; brother, Wade Vielhak; two daughters, Andrea Clarchick (Bo Miller) and Desiree Williams (Angie); five grandsons, Marcus Clarchick, Karson Fast, Lukas Miller, Teddy Williams, and Jamie Williams; niece, Samantha Vielhak; sister-in-law, Colleen Williams; brother-in-law, Tom Williams; step-daughters, Ashton (Evan Kubina) and Tiffany Tate; three step granddaughters, Holly, Piper, and Lillian.

Dawn had a love of animals, and she leaves behind her beloved dog Bear, and cat Greta. Dawn’s family was her life. She loved baking special cookies and banana bread for her grandchildren. She worked in several school cafeterias in the area. The children all loved to be around her.

Dawn had a kind heart and wanted the best for her family. She was known as “NeeNaw” to her grandchildren.

Dawn was preceded in death by her brother, Larry Vielhak on January 27, 2025; her maternal and paternal grandparents, her father, and Aunt Donna. In honor of Dawn, please tell your loved ones you love them every day. Cremation will be accorded. No services will be held at the present time. A Celebration of Life will be planned for a future date. Memorials in Dawn’s name can be made to TAPS.