Dawn Alise Gan

Dawn Alise Gan, 72, passed away peacefully at home on August 25, 2026. She was born on April 10, 1954, in French Camp, California to David Raymond Johnsen and Alma Joanne (Jensen) Johnsen. At age thirteen, Dawn and her family returned to Pulaski County, Missouri. She completed her education and lived out her life in the community she enjoyed. Dawn was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend. She married the love of her life and best friend, James Alvin Gan, on March 12, 1971, in Waynesville, Missouri, and together they built a life centered around family, faith, and love for the next fifty-five years until her passing. In her twenties, Dawn gave her life to Christ and remained a devoted Baptist throughout her life; and was a member of Center Point Baptist Church. Her faith was not simply something she believed—it was something she lived. She loved everyone and always wanted those around her to know the love of God. One of the greatest lessons she wanted her family to understand was the importance of forgiveness. She often reminded them that, if we want to be like Christ, we must learn to forgive, because we all need and receive His grace. Dawn was a homemaker who found great joy in caring for her family. She loved spending time with her children and especially enjoyed loving on her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She loved fishing, cooking, thrifting and gardening. Dawn truly had a green thumb and could make just about anything grow. She found joy in tending to her plants and watching them flourish, much like she nurtured and cared for the people she loved. She also had a creative side and enjoyed art and creating beautiful things. Among all of the special relationships Dawn shared with her family, she had an especially precious bond with her granddaughter, Faith, who was much more than a granddaughter to her—Faith was like a daughter. Their relationship was uniquely close and filled with love, and Faith held a very special place in Dawn's heart. The love they shared was a beautiful reflection of the deep family bonds Dawn treasured throughout her life. Dawn was the kind of person who accepted everyone. Her home was always open to anyone who needed a place to stay, a meal, a helping hand, or simply someone to care. She had a generous heart and rarely turned anyone away. Those who knew her well might describe her as stubborn—but it was often a stubbornness born from love, conviction, and a determination to take care of the people she loved. Above all, Dawn loved her family deeply. Her greatest desire was for the people she loved to know they were loved, accepted, and never alone. She wanted everyone she met to know the love of Christ, and she shared that love through the way she welcomed, cared for, and forgave others. Dawn is survived by her husband, James of the home; her children, John Gan, and his wife, Kristi of Fortuna, MO, Nettie Pallai of Richland, MO, Ben Gan and Matt Gan both of Richland, MO, Rebekah Floyd, and her husband, Matt of Marshfield, MO; twenty grandchildren, and eight great-grandchildren; two sisters, Ida Berry of Ft. Madison, IA, and June Taylor, and her husband, Randy of Eldon, MO; along with many extended family members and friends who will forever cherish her memory. She was preceded in death by her father, David Raymond Johnsen; her mother, Alma Joann Gan; her stepfather, Lawrence Earnest Gan; her sister, Anna Christeen Tipton; and her baby brother Nels Tipton. Dawn's life was one built on faith, family, forgiveness, and unconditional love. Though she will be deeply missed, her family takes comfort in knowing that the love she gave so freely will continue through the generations she leaves behind until we see her again. May God be with you. I Love You to the Moon and back. A visitation was held from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m., Saturday, August 29, 2026, in the Memorial Chapel of Richland. A graveside service was held at 11:30 a.m., Saturday, August 29, 2026, in the Center Point Cemetery near Waynesville, Missouri with pastor James Desjardins officiating. Family served as pallbearers. Services were under the care and direction of Memorial Chapel of Richland. Memorial contributions may be made to the family in memory of Dawn Alise Gan and may be left at the Memorial Chapel of Richland.

Dawn Alise Gan

April 10, 1954 - August 25, 2026