Dawn Elaine Triplett

Dawn Elaine Triplett, 71, of Kalkaska, was peacefully welcomed into the loving arms of her Savior at her home on Sunday, May 28, 2023. Her loving and devoted husband Allen L. Triplett was by her side. Dawn was fortunate to have spent a few days prior to her passing with her best friend and husband of 53 years. She took photos of trees in blossom on Saturday. Stating “I love this time of year". The tree with the white flowers is an apple tree by the garden. The pink is a flowering crab. "I’ve never seen so many blossoms on the flowering crab!” Dawn loved her flowers and gardening was one of many passions she had. She kept fresh flowers in her kitchen every chance she got. A practice she had since she was a young wife and mother. She said they reminded her to keep going because there was something beautiful in every day. They reminded her of God’s promises. Dawn had many passions in her life. She did not like to sit still unless she was working at her computer typing, reading an interesting book that she just couldn’t put down, or munching on a bagel and drinking diet coke. She authored and published several books about history; especially family histories. She was the president of the Kalkaska Genealogical Society from 1998 until her passing. Dawn was the firstborn of six children born to Donald B DePeel and Katherine F (Bluer) DePeel. She was raised along with her five siblings on Co. Rd. 612 in a home her father had built for his rapidly growing family. They lived near her grandparent’s farm. She attended the one-room Lewis school until the third grade when the school closed. She began fourth grade at Kalkaska Public School where she graduated in 1969. In 1967, her dad built their next home in the village of Kalkaska. She was excited to work her first job at Anderson’s Bakery after school and on Saturdays. When Dawn graduated High School she received a commercial business award for her high grades in business class. That would lead to attending Northwestern Michigan College to brush up on her secretarial skills. She worked as a secretary for many years at businesses and churches. She was forced into early retirement from Erb Lumber in Kalkaska due to surmounting health issues. She dove straight into family ancestry and her love for genealogy and history which became her focus from then on. On September 27, 1969, she married Allen L Triplett, the young man she had met while attending Excelsior Church of Christ. They became members of the Rapid City Church of Christ where they were both involved in the youth ministry. Dawn took on several projects in the church and helping the community and surrounding areas. She taught VBS, Sunday school, and she and Allen were youth group leaders there. She and Al have been members of the Kalkaska Church of Christ since 1998. Dawn loved the outdoors. She loved to fish and travel. She and Al had many adventures together over the years. She made dozens of mittens and hats and donated them to various charities in Kalkaska and neighboring communities. Most of all, Dawn loved her family. She loved hosting family gatherings and she loved and adored her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Dawn is survived by her husband Allen, daughter Jennifer (Mark) Hunn, and children Lucas, Logan, and Marks daughter’s Jennifer and Heidi. Michael Triplett (Joy) of Grawn. Grandchildren, Mike Jr., Caleb, Jacob, and Clayton, and stepchildren Ellie and Eric. Daughter Brandy Brister of Kalkaska and her children Braydon, Carmen, Nathan and Caiden. Grandsons Mike Triplett, Jr. (Allyson), children Luna, Willow and Cadence. Other survivors include her siblings: Donna Nyboer of Kansas, Dale (Paula) DePeel of Minnesota, Daryl (Robyn) DePeel of Kansas, Duke (Dawn) DePeel Sr., Susan (Rick) DePeel, of Michigan and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents and many others she is now reunited with. Dawn will be dearly missed and loved by her entire family, friends and many other community members who passed before her. Visitation will be held on Monday, June 5, 2023 from 1-2pm at the Kalkaska Church of Christ. The funeral service will follow beginning at 2:00pm. Burial will take place at Evergreen Cemetery in Kalkaska. Arrangements have been entrusted to Kalkaska Funeral Home.

Dawn Elaine Triplett

September 10, 1951 - May 28, 2023