Ursula Christel Dawson

In Loving Memory of Ursula Christel Dawson

Ursula Christel Dawson (née Skrandies), age 86, passed away peacefully, leaving behind a legacy defined by faith, courage, hard work, and an unwavering love for her family.

Ursula's remarkable journey began in 1940 in Pogegen, Tilsit, East Prussia, where she was born to Hugo and Meta Skrandies as the oldest of four children. Her earliest memories were shaped by the hardships of World War II. At only four years old, Ursula and her family were forced to flee their homeland, becoming refugees before eventually settling in the small village of Hoisdorf in Mecklenburg, Germany. Those difficult years taught her resilience, perseverance, and gratitude—qualities that would define the rest of her life.

Life was not easy. Ursula walked nearly three miles each way to attend school while her father worked as a carpenter in Hamburg. After several years, the family reunited in Hamburg and lived with her beloved grandparents, Maria and her husband. Ursula treasured those years, especially the many days spent berry picking with her family and studying the Bible with her Oma as she prepared for confirmation. The faith she developed during those formative years became the foundation upon which she built her life.

At the age of 17, in February of 1958, Ursula courageously left everything familiar behind to begin a new life in America. Sponsored through a church by an American family, she boarded a Flying Tigers airplane bound for New York before continuing by train to Minneapolis, Minnesota. It was a journey fueled by faith, hope, and determination.

With the encouragement of her sponsor, Carol Soderquist, Ursula enrolled at Frances Nystrom Beauty School and became a licensed hairdresser. While working in Robbinsdale, she attended night classes to learn English and study the United States Constitution. Her dedication culminated in becoming a United States citizen in 1963.

Not long after arriving in Minnesota, Ursula met Klaus Nieder through her brother Kurt, who played soccer with him. They married in 1959 and raised three children—Heide, Guenther, and Klausi. In 1974, the family moved to a beautiful 180-acre farm in northern Wisconsin, where Ursula devoted herself to creating a loving home and teaching the values of faith, honesty, and hard work. 

Although Ursula and Klaus later divorced in 1982, life had another wonderful chapter waiting for her. She met Robert L. Dawson, who became the love of her life. They married on April 24, 1992, and together built a beautiful life. Ursula later worked as a cook for the Wilder Foundation until retiring at age 52. For more than thirty years, she and Bob spent winters in Coolidge, Arizona, and summers in northern Wisconsin, making cherished memories with family and friends before eventually settling in New Richmond, Wisconsin.

Family was the center of Ursula's world. She loved deeply and gave generously. From a little girl driven from her homeland by war to a courageous immigrant, devoted wife, loving mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, faithful friend, and beloved companion, her life was a testimony to perseverance, faith, and unconditional love. She is survived by her loving husband, Robert L. Dawson; her daughter, Heide (Jeff); her sons, Guenther and Klausi (Kim); her stepchildren, Kevin (Barb) and Rene (Gerard); her brother, George Skrandies; along with many beloved grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, extended family members, and dear friends.

Her life was a story of courage.

Her faith was her foundation.

Her family was her greatest joy.

Her love will remain in our hearts forever.

Rest in peace, Ursula. You will always be deeply loved and never forgotten