When You Need Us Most, We'll Be There
In Loving Memory of
Dawn Marie Polfiet
JUNE 16, 1961 — OCTOBER 10, 2025
MARSHALL, MN
MAY SHE REST IN PEACE
Dawn Marie Brinkman was born to Dwayne and Bonnie Christianson Brinkman in Tyler, Minnesota, on June 16, 1961. She grew up in Marshall and graduated from Marshall high school with the class of 1979. Dawn then attended Canby Vocational Institute before beginning work at the Schwan Food Company in Marshall. She later worked as a paraprofessional at Holy Redeemer Catholic School and also managed the Sara Lee bread store in Marshall before her retirement.
Dawn was united in marriage to Jeff Bailey and to this union three children were born – Breanna, Luke, and Cory. Dawn and Jeff later divorced. On January 9, 2010, Dawn was married to Thomas Polfliet in Las Vegas, Nevada. The couple made their home in Marshall and spent many winters at their home in Gold Canyon, Arizona.
Dawn’s enjoyments in life included camping and spending time at the lake. In retirement, she thoroughly enjoyed time spent in Arizona where she loved to go trail riding near Superstition Mountain and gatherings with her Arizona neighbors. It was at one of these gatherings on November 11, 2022, that Dawn had an episode where she was soon diagnosed with a brain tumor. She then gracefully dealt with the challenges it presented, never complaining about her cancer battle until her passing. More than anything Dawn was passionate about her family and will be truly missed by many.
Dawn Polfliet died peacefully with family at her side on October 10, 2025, in Marshall, Minnesota. She reached the age of 64 years, 3 months, and 24 days. Blessed and eternal be her memory.
She is survived by her husband, Tom Polfliet of Marshall; mother, Bonnie Brinkman of Marshall; 3 children, Breanna (and Jameson) Abel of Sioux Falls, SD, Luke Bailey of Marshall, Cory Bailey of Marshall; 4 grandchildren, Kennedy Abel, Lincoln Abel, McKinley Abel, Ruby Bailey; sister, Karen Brinkman of Canby; 3 step-children, Laura (and RJ) Biodrowski of Omaha, NE, Amy Polfliet of Omaha, NE, Sophia Polfliet of Colorado; nieces, nephews, other relatives, and many friends.
Dawn was preceded in death by her father, Dwayne Brinkman.
In Loving Memory of Dawn Polfiet
Your generous gift helps us continue providing compassionate care to others in need, just as Dawn received. Thank you for honoring her memory. When donating you have the opportunity on the donation form to check in “In Memory of”.