Dawn Gayle Bidwell

Dawn Gayle Bidwell, 73, of Rochester, formally of Byron, died Wednesday September 11, 2024.

Dawn was born January 14, 1951, in Endicott NY to Oscar and Doris (Jones) Bidwell. The family moved to Byron, MN in 1957. She graduated from Byron High School in 1969 and attended St Mary's Nursing college, earning her RN.

Her medical career spanned more than 40 years as she worked as a nurse, paramedic, Deputy Coroner and medical educator as she moved from Chaska, Shakopee, New Ulm and Alexandria, MN. She was a past president of the National EMS Association and traveled quite extensively, lecturing her medical expertise and organizing mischief.

Dawn loved the Wizard of Oz and had quite a collectable array. She also loved spending time with family visiting or vacationing. She valued her get togethers with Kathy Tvedt and Sue Wiebusch making sure those times were memorable. She appreciated all her close friends throughout her life. Her love of cross-country skiing and the Ely area led her to organize a winter women's getaway that grew from a few friends to a large group that continues to meet every year.

She is survived by her brothers, Carrol (Sue) and Keith (Tammy) of Rochester, MN. She was preceded in death by her parents and brother Bruce.

Graveside Memorial service before interment at Byron Cemetery will be at 2:00 p.m. Saturday, September 21, 2024. All friends and family are welcome to attend and share a memory, thought or verse.

Memorials are preferred to St Jude's or a charity of your choice in Dawn's memory.