SIOUX FALLS — Dawn Elaine Wollman, 83, of Sioux Falls, passed away Wednesday, August 30, 2017. She had spent her final days at the Dougherty House in hospice care surrounded by family and loved ones after suffering a stroke.
Dawn was born on March 29, 1934, in Dupree to Art and Verna (Miller) Flick. Dawn was the first of four daughters and was soon joined by her sisters, Mary Elizabeth, Virginia Ann, and Lorna Lee. The family moved several times in those early years before settling in Mitchell where Dawn and her sisters spent most of their youth. In 1951, they moved to Platte. Dawn graduated from Platte High School in 1952, but remained close to her friends in Mitchell and was always considered a member of the Mitchell High School class of 1952.
Following graduation, Dawn worked as a telephone operator before attending Huron College where she graduated with an associate degree in teaching in 1956. Dawn would spend the rest of her working life as a teacher and educator. Dawn married Jim Klassen in 1957, and they had a son, Jon Arthur, in 1958. Dawn then moved back home with her parents in Pierre and continued teaching while returning to Huron College during the summers to obtain her bachelor’s degree in education. After graduation, Dawn and Jon moved to Huron as Dawn began teaching sixth grade at McKinley Elementary.
It was at Huron College that Dawn first met Dr. John Wollman. After an extended courtship, they were married on August 17, 1968. The family moved into a new house in Huron where they lived until 2005. In November of 1972, John and Dawn had a daughter, Joni Sue. In 2005, they moved to Sioux Falls to be closer to their children and grandchildren. In 2013, John and Dawn moved into Prince of Peace where John still resides.
Dawn was a dedicated teacher, working in the Huron Public School system until she retired in 1994. She continued to be involved in education even after retiring by teaching English as a second language at Huron College and later being a volunteer tutor at the public schools. Dawn enjoyed an active social life as she and John could always be found at the football and basketball games in Huron. Dawn also looked forward to her nights playing bridge with her friends, attending craft fairs and art shows, or a day of shopping. She was an active member of the First Presbyterian Church in Huron and later in Sioux Falls, serving as a Deacon for many years. Dawn was also a member of PEO, a lifelong member of the National Educators Association and the S.D. Educators Association. In her spare time, she enjoyed all types of arts and crafts, sewing, baking cookies, and spending time with family and friends.
Dawn is survived by her devoted husband of 49 years, John; her son, Jon and his wife Sharon of Sioux Falls; her daughter, Joni and her husband Randy Brown of Sioux Falls; grandchildren, Heidi Wollman and Kirstie Wollman of Sioux Falls; sister, Lorna Friese of Sioux Falls; aunt, Inez Miller Boettcher Leighty of Mesa, Ariz.; and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Arthur and Verna Flick; sisters, Virginia “Ginny” Hook, and Mary Hase; and brother-in-law, John Friese.
The family will be holding a memorial service at Heritage Funeral Home in Sioux Falls on Saturday, September 9, at 1:30 p.m. They invite family and friends to join them for a time of remembrance and to share their memories of Dawn.
In lieu of flowers, the family has asked that a donation be made to the South Dakota Parkinson Foundation in Dawn’s honor.
Thank you to all for the outpouring of love and support you have shown.

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