Dawn Marie (Ledeboer) Sheward

Dawn Marie (Ledeboer) Sheward was born May 29, 1966, the fifth child of Delroy and Freida (Groen) Ledeboer and the third daughter to be born with Spinal Muscular Atrophy. She lived her entire life with the disease and lived to the remarkable age of 59 years old 11 months. Despite the challenges posed by her condition, Dawn's spirit and faith remained unbroken throughout her life. 

Dawn approached her journey with grace and resilience, always yearning to be treated like everyone else. It is here that she found her true strength, being regarded not for her limitations, but for the remarkable person she was. Her unwavering faith in Jesus guided her through both the good and challenging times, and in her final days, she spoke of her anticipation for a heavenly feast. 

After graduating from Central Minnesota Christian School in Prinsburg in 1984, Dawn attended Dordt College in Sioux Center, Iowa, with support from friends and fellow students, earning her degree in social work in 1988. She began her career as a social worker in Blooming Prairie, where she touched the lives of her many friends, co-workers, and caregivers showing kindness and her love of God.

Dawn loved horses and enjoyed watching figure skating and basketball, proudly holding season tickets as a devoted Minnesota Timberwolves fan for several years.

On July 7, 2001, she married Chris Sheward and they made their home in Blooming Prairie. After 35 years of dedicated service, Dawn retired from Prairie Manor in June 2024. God called her home on Mother’s Day, May 10, 2026.

She is survived by her husband, Chris Sheward of Blooming Prairie; her brothers, Joel (Susan) of Prinsburg and Jerome (Robin) of Prinsburg; brother-in-law, Vernon Sheward (Cheryl); sisters-in-law, Robin Lucius (Andrew) and Melinda Hensley (Matt); and nieces, nephews, grand nieces and nephews, and many other family members. She was preceded in death by her parents, Delroy and Freida Ledeboer; her two sisters, Judith and Beverly; and nephew, Caleb Ledeboer.

A funeral service for Dawn will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, May 16, 2026, at Faith Church in Austin, Minnesota. The visitation will take place from 5:00-7:00 p.m. on Friday, May 15, at Worlein-Hoff Funeral Home in Blooming Prairie, and will continue for one hour prior to the service at the church. A private family interment will be held at a later date. Memorials are preferred to the Minnesota Adult and Teen Challenge. Worlein-Hoff Funeral Homes are assisting the family with arrangements.