Dawn Jaeger, 64, of Grinnell, died on Saturday, April 11, 2026, at MercyOne Waterloo Medical Center.

A celebration of life will be held at 10:30 a.m., Saturday, April 18, 2026 at Grinnell United Methodist Church. The family encourages those attending to wear bright, asymmetrical, casual clothing, as we celebrate Dawn's life of service and kindness in a festive manner. The service will be livestreamed on the Grinnell United Methodist Church YouTube page. A luncheon will follow the service.

The family will receive friends at the visitation held from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., Friday, April 17, 2026 at Smith Funeral Home in Grinnell.

Memorials may be designated to Wartburg College – Department of Social Work, Grinnell United Methodist Church – Good Samaritan Fund, Grinnell Area Arts Council – Thursday Music in the Park, Saint Paul's Lutheran Church of Random Lake, or Iowa Public Radio and mailed in care of Smith Funeral Home and Crematory, PO Box 368, Grinnell, IA 50112. Memories and condolences may be shared with her family online at www.smithfh.com.

Dawn Marie Maas was born to William and Joyce (Tretow) Maas on June 29, 1961, in Sheboygan, Wis. She was raised in Random Lake, Wis., and graduated with the Random Lake High School Class of 1979. Dawn continued her education at Wartburg College, where she earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in social work in 1983, and completed her Master's Degree in social work from the University of Iowa.

On August 27, 1983, Dawn was united in marriage with Brent Jaeger at Saint Paul's Lutheran Church of Random Lake, Wis. Their marriage was blessed with a son, Kyle. The couple made their home in Grinnell, Iowa, where Dawn devoted her life's work to serving others as a social worker in many settings including at the Grinnell Regional Medical Center and Central Rivers Area Education Agency. She dedicated much of her career to caring for school children and supporting educators. A passionate advocate for kindness and justice, Dawn fought to defend those who were bullied and served on the International Bullying Prevention Association board of directors.

Dawn's faith was a guiding presence in her life, and her family was always her greatest love. She found joy in bright contrasting colors, the arts, and summer evenings spent attending Music in the Park in Grinnell; sponsored Music at Solera; and attended concerts and shows in Des Moines and Iowa City. She also enjoyed sharing a glass of wine with friends and people she met at Solera; was always encouraging others to pursue higher education and reach their fullest potential; and was a mentor and advocate for women. Dawn will be remembered for her bright spirit, positive outlook, kindness, and deeply caring nature.

Dawn is survived by her husband, Brent Jaeger of Grinnell; son, Kyle (Laura Mackey) Jaeger of Viroqua, Wis.; her brother, Dee (Nancy Oman) Maas of Random Lake, Wis.; and beloved nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents and her brother, Dale Maas.

Kindness – Pass It On!