Dawn Janeen Velez

Dawn Janeen Shepley Velez, 60 of Colfax, Iowa, passed away on Friday, July 25, 2025.

The family will hold a private burial at McKeever Cemetery in Colfax, Iowa at 3 p.m. on Saturday, August 2, 2025. A celebration of life service will be held at 4 p.m. on Saturday, August 2, 2025, at Greencastle Tavern in Mingo, Iowa.

Dawn was born in Pella, Iowa, on April 29, 1965, to Freda Ann Christner. Freda married Ken Shepley in 1967, and they made their home in Colfax, Iowa, where Dawn grew up. She graduated from Colfax High School in 1983.

She was a lover of all animals, but especially cherished her dogs. She enjoyed crafting and loved sweet treats. Dawn treasured spending time with her friends and family. She had a feisty spirit and those who knew her could always expect a sharp comeback and some banter. She was very proud of her nieces and nephews, and her home was a testament to that, filled with pictures of them all.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to Dawn's friends who helped comfort and care for her, as well as Hospice Comfort House in Pella, Iowa.

Dawn was preceded in death by her beloved mother, Freda, and her grandparents, Ezra and Blanche Christner, and Orville and Hazel Shepley. She is survived by her father Ken (Jan) Shepley of Runnells, and her siblings, Jeff (Traci) Shepley of Baxter, Cindy (Dennis) Thurman of Altoona, Jennifer (Dan) Bell of Mediapolis, nieces Abbey Shepley, Lainey and Hayden Bell, nephews Dallas Thurman, A.J. Flora, Cael Shepley and Easton Bell, great-nieces Violet and Harlow Thurman, and her loyal companion Dickie.

Memorial contributions may be directed to Meals on Wheels or Hospice Comfort House.