Dawn M. Hammerich, 59, of Hartford, SD, completed her extraordinary journey on November 10, 2025, surrounded by the love of family and friends, at Ava’s House in Sioux Falls, SD.
A Celebration of Life will be scheduled at a future date at the American Legion in Hartford, SD. Friends and family are invited to gather, share stories, and honor a life that continues to motivate others to live with intention and compassion.
Dawn Marie Ketter was born on August 22, 1966, in Milwaukee, WI, to Jack and Dianna (Thompson) Ketter. Dawn lived with purpose, resilience, and a deep commitment to making a positive impact. From Waukesha, WI, she went on to help develop a new type of MRI machine for detecting breast cancer, building a legacy that continues to inspire. In 2010, Dawn moved to the Denver, CO area where she worked as a subcontractor for NASA on several projects before moving to Hartford, SD in 2018.
Throughout life, Dawn embraced challenges as opportunities, celebrated milestones with gratitude, and shared kindness freely. Whether through her handmade crafts, or by offering a listening ear and helping hand, she reminded everyone that each day holds the potential to create change.
Dawn is lovingly remembered by her significant other, Kevin Jacobs; her son, Anthony Hammerich, his children, Savanna and Aubriella, his wife, Michelle Hammerich, her children, Isaiah (Madison), Kazia, Nataya, Khamaria and Dacey; Kevin’s children, Stephanie and Michael, 3 grandchildren, Andrew, Penelope and Cameron; 2 great-grandsons, Elias, son of Isaiah, and Jahseh, son of Savanna; her mother and step-father, Dianna and Tom Anderson; her father and step-mother, Jack and Carol Ketter; and her brother and sister in law, Brian and Melonie Ketter.
Dawn now joins her son Micheal; her grandparents; and Michelle’s brother, Jeremy; in eternal peace.
The family expresses heartfelt gratitude to Ava’s House whose care and support brought comfort and dignity to Dawn’s final days.
Celebrate a life with the whole community in The Dakota Scout. Contact obits@thedakotascout.com to have your loved one remembered today.