Dawn Michele Ulry
Dawn Michele Ulry, born September 5, 1973, in Quincy, Illinois, to Tom and Bernadine (Ehrhardt) Terstriep, passed away on February 4, 2026, at Barnes–Jewish Hospital in St. Louis, Missouri, surrounded by loved ones. Raised in Liberty, Illinois, Dawn was a proud graduate of the Liberty High School Class of 1991. She continued her education at Quincy College, graduating in 1995 with a degree in Communications. On July 11, 1998, she married the love of her life, Troy Ulry, and together they built a life filled with devotion, laughter, and countless cherished memories.
Dawn later made her home in Springfield, Illinois, where her kindness, warmth, and gentle spirit touched all who knew her. Loving and taking care of Troy was one of her greatest honors—he truly was the love of her life. Throughout her courageous battle with cancer, Troy remained her steadfast and devoted caregiver, supporting her with unwavering love and strength.
Creativity came naturally to Dawn, and she shared it generously with the people she loved. She delighted in making handmade greeting cards for family and friends, each one treasured as a reflection of her thoughtfulness. She poured that same creativity into gifts for her nieces and nephews—TFV (Terstriep Family Vacation) towels, cozy blankets, and fun t shirts that became cherished keepsakes. Dawn also loved decorating for Christmas and embraced the joy of the season with endless inspiration, able to change themes and colors year after year without ever repeating herself. Dawn and Troy found great joy in spending time with friends and traveling together, creating memories they deeply cherished.
Dawn is survived by her devoted husband, Troy; her father, Tom Terstriep; and her siblings: Dan (Sara) Terstriep, Kathy (Todd) Neisen, Cherri (Jim) Mixer, and Andrea (Darren) Sims. She is also survived by her sister-in-law Lisa (Dirk) Reich, her mother-in-law Mary Jane Totsch, and thirteen cherished nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her mother, Bernadine Terstriep, and her father-in-law, Seldon Totsch.
Funeral services will take place at Duker & Haugh Funeral Home on Wednesday, February 11, 2026, at 10:00 AM. Interment to follow at Calvary Cemetery. Visitation will be held on Tuesday, February 10, 2026, from 4:00 – 7:00 PM at Duker & Haugh Funeral Home. Memorials may be made to the Liberty Education Foundation, Adams County Folks Care, or the American Cancer Society. The Duker & Haugh Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.
Kathy so deeply sorry for your loss. Prayers for your family.i remember her well from years @Liberty High, such a spirited person.
Dear Kathy,
Thinking of you. You will always cherish the memories of a happy life growing up together.
Dick & Pat Wentura
So sorry for your loss.
Troy and family,
You are in my thoughts and prayers during this trying time. I’m praying for healing and understanding for you and your family.
Respectfully,
Angel Warning-Haney
Kathy Neisen and family, words cannot express how sorry I am to hear of the loss of your sister. You all have experienced so much heartache recently and I know how deeply that hurts. Know that you are all in my prayers…..sending loving thoughts for healing . Veronica Cole
Kathy Neisen and family, I am so sorry to hear of the loss of your dear sister, Dawn. There are no words to express how sorry I am. I know you and your family have experienced so much heartache lately….I am deeply sorry. Know that you are all in my prayers…Veronica Cole
Our deepest sympathy to Troy, Dawn’s family and in-laws! May God provide you with peace and comfort knowing that Dawn is in Heaven with our Lord.
Dear Kathy & Terstriep family – I’m so sorry to hear about the passing of Dawn…and on top of the recent loss of your mom. I’m praying for comfort and healing for your family. Dawn was a beautiful, lovely, creative soul. May you enjoy your favorite memories and stories of her, and know that you’re in my prayers.
Kathy so very sorry to hear about your sister