Dawn (Sobek) M. Kaupa – Rochester

Dawn Marie Kaupa, 54, of Rochester, MN passed Thursday, January 09, 2020 at St Marys Hospital after a short, hard fought battle with cancer. #F*ckcancer #cancersucks

Dawn was born February 28, 1965 in Rochester, MN to Marvin and Pat (James) Sobek. She graduated from Mayo High School in 1983. Dawn was married to Randall Steven Pike on April 29, 1989 and later divorced. She later remarried to Kent Miles Kaupa on August 1, 2006 in Sturgis and made their home in Rochester, MN.

Dawn made her career in culinary arts. Her passion for cooking started at St. Marys Hospital in 1981 which lasted 20 years and lead her to an executive chef position at Shorewood Senior Campus in Rochester until her passing. Dawn was involved in the SE Rochester Culinary Association, winning Chef of the Year in 2001. She also participated in food competitions and charity events, winning awards for her chili recipes and raising money with her German chocolate cakes.

Outside of work, Dawn enjoyed spending time with her family, friends, camping and riding motorcycle. Spending time with her grandchildren always brought a bright smile to her face. She had a huge heart for animals owning multiple dogs, many which were rescues.

Dawn is survived by her husband, Kent Kaupa; mother, Pat Sobek; brother, Jim Sobek; sons, Brandon (Jaime) Janzen and Tanner Pike; step daughters, Kayla Kaupa, Krista (Darell) Hogg and Kendra Kaupa; step daughters of prior marriage, Amanda (Anthony) McDew and Monica Pike; three grandchildren, Jayden, Madalynn and Blake.

She is proceeded in death by her father, Marvin Sobek and her brother, Jary Sobek.

A memorial gathering for Dawn will be held on Wednesday, January 15, 2020 in the River Park Chapel at Macken Funeral Home in Rochester, MN from 4:00 p.m. till 7:00 p.m. There will be a prayer service during the gathering beginning at 6:30p.m.