Audrey J. Dauner

Audrey Dauner, 90, of Hawley, MN passed away on Wednesday, January 24, 2024, at Sanford Medical Center, Fargo, ND.

Audrey Joan Nilles was born to Frank and Johanna (Fuhrman) Nilles at St. John’s Hospital, Fargo, ND on September 16, 1933. Audrey was the oldest of 10 children. She grew up on the family farm in rural Casselton, ND. She attended Everest District 90, a one room schoolhouse, through the eighth grade. Audrey was able to skip 3rd grade and later moved at the age of 12 to Fargo to attend Sacred Heart Academy. Following graduation, she went on to attend nurses training at St. John’s Hospital. Audrey spent her entire career with St. John’s, 31 years of which were spent as a supervisor. After St. John’s closed their building, they moved and reopened as Dakota Heartland Hospital, which Audrey worked for until they too closed their doors. St. John’s was a special place to Audrey as she, her siblings, all her children, and even a grandchild were born there.

Audrey went on a blind date with Leroy “Sam” Dauner, and on December 29, 1955, they were married at St. Leo’s Catholic Church in Casselton. They moved onto the farm near Hawley where they raised their family of 10 children. During these years, Audrey stayed at home for a time taking care of the family before returning to her nursing career.

Audrey loved nature and being outside, especially in her vegetable and flower gardens. She was very active with St. Andrew’s Catholic Church and filled nearly every volunteer position. Audrey loved music and was a church organist up until her passing, first at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church in Lake Park and then at St. Andrew’s. She was a charter member of St. Andrew’s and she loved her church family. She also enjoyed playing golf, baking, canning, and keeping up with her grandchildren’s activities.

Audrey is survived by her children, Susan (Jeff) McDonald, Michael (Ronda) Dauner, Barbara Dauner, Laurel (Gary) Schultz, Scott (Brenda) Dauner, Hope (Don Anderson) Dauner, Douglas (Mary) Dauner, Richard (Denelle) Dauner, Sheri (Matt) Cook, and Stephen Dauner; 26 grandchildren; 19 great-grandchildren; siblings, Jim (Joyce) Nilles, Rosemary Trom, Donald (Mary Ellen) Nilles, Mary Ann (Ed) Cooke, and Deb (Scott) Smith; sister-in-law, Jenell Nilles; and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband; parents; son, Patrick; son-in-law, Ted Cray; and brothers, Harold, Paul, Carl, and Dave Nilles.

A visitation will be held on Wednesday, January 31, 2024, from 5:30-7:00 p.m. with a prayer service beginning at 7:00 at Wright Funeral Home, Hawley, MN.

Mass of Christian Burial with Livestream will be held on Thursday, February 1, 2024, at 11:00 AM with a Praying of the Rosary beginning at 9:45 a.m. at St. Andrew’s Catholic Church, Hawley, MN.

Final resting place will be in Lysne Lutheran Church Cemetery, rural Hawley, MN.