Celebrating the Life and Legacy of Naomi Dassow

“The trail is long, and we won’t arrive at our destination in this life. Still, we’re on the journey with Jesus for the greatest thrill of our lives.” Zig Ziglar

A fall in the woods while hiking in Door County led to a series of complicated medical issues with no good options…and being on kidney dialysis which led to the enviable decision of choosing when to meet the Lord. A peaceful ending. Two days before meeting the Lord. “Why am I having so much fun dying.” Naomi She knew!

She knew the Lord and where she was going and was anxious to get there! Until we meet again! Dick

Naomi’s life

Reflections below in no particular order.

“The older I grow, the more I realize that my mother is the best friend I ever had!” Read that somewhere recently and it rings true. Thanks for walking beside me through the drama and the joy of relationships and knee surgeries, identity crisis, multiple colleges, so many terrible hair decisions, piercings and so much more throughout the years. It’s been a wild ride, I’m sure. But I’m lucky to have you to lean on and I know you’ve been steadfast in prayer along the way. Thanks for choosing to be my mom!

Ami Dassow Oldenburg

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Letter from Peter Dassow

Mom: 

I am grateful for the time we had together and for the childhood you gave me. Coming to America at a young age, I was able to spend extra time with you during the day after attending school. Some of my fondest memories are with you in the kitchen, helping you bake or cook. I always enjoyed licking off the spatula after making brownies. I still make myself breakfast on occasion and make omelets the way you did. 

What sticks out to me, and I know others saw, is a genuine dedication to your faith. You demonstrated that the things that endure – God, country, family – instead of material wealth that is fleeting, is what really matters. I believe your faith helped guide your gentle hand in raising a strong-willed, motivated, independent person like me. I have done my best to take the lessons learned to live my life. Looking back as a parent myself now, I can appreciate the challenges you faced and appreciate the sacrifices by you and Dad as parents. Thank you. 

My children and I will miss you. We will remember you, and the memories of our time and vacations together will last a lifetime. I am glad we were able to have a final week together before you passed to leave nothing unspoken between us. I love you. Peter

Ruth Carver: Eastbrook Church. Senior Director Congregational Care

As I think about Naomi today, Psalm 116:15 comes to my mind: Precious in the sight of the LORD is the
death of his saints. Naomi was truly a saint of the Lord Jesus. In her many years at Eastbrook Church, I
always thought of her as a gentle, generous, loving woman who unselfishly served the Lord by serving
others – whether it was in her job as a nurse, ministering at Eastbrook Church, volunteering with the
Red Cross or Salvation Army or other organizations. I walked around the Eastbrook Church office
building today asking people what came to mind when they thought of Naomi and here’s what I heard:
Naomi was tall and elegant, always pleasant and positive, completely loving, a devoted mother and
grandmother, a supportive wife, and someone who pointed people to Jesus. One person said Naomi
invited her over for several holiday meals and that she was a lovely hostess. I know Naomi suffered
incredibly over these last few years, and that she was ready to leave her “tent” behind and be forever in
the presence of the Lord. I know I speak for all of Eastbrook Church that she will be missed on earth, but
we rejoice that she is in the presence of the God she loved.

Margaret Bauman

I met Naomi in college while we were in nursing school. She was a year ahead of me and was teaching nursing at the university when I graduated. We roomed together and had in common a love for the Lord during the Jesus Revolution, a move of God occurring at that time. She was so ready to help others in any way she could and was very helpful to me as I transitioned from college to working as a nurse and from living at home and living on my own. We shared a love for Jesus as I mentioned and a love for life. We had many good times and fun over those years. Naomi was a very important person whom God used to help me grow as a person and as a Christian. She will always be a truly lovely memory for me as a friend and fellow follower of Christ.

Sherry Bohn

Yes, I was sad to hear she isn’t with us here anymore. “When I was a relatively new Christian and trying to figure out my life, Naomi befriended me in college. She invited me to be a housemate and introduced me to her Christian community. Her care for and patience with others, her willingness to serve, and her loving touch in so many lives will live on in my memories of her. I will miss her on this side of heaven, but she inspires me to finish well the race the Lord lays out for us. She certainly did.”

Judy Berdal

Hello, Dick,

It is an honor to share with you some of the ways Naomi has blessed my life.  These are some of the things I shared with her during the last conversation we had.

I am forever grateful that Naomi befriended me in the summer of 1973 when I moved back to Eau Claire after spending a few years teaching in Albuquerque and Augusta.  It was a time of loneliness, brokenness and loss for me, and I know God brought us together that  day at Salem Baptist Church.  She invited me into her circle of friends at a Bible Study being held at her house.  There I met a group of people excited about experiencing God and the Holy Spirit’s presence.   My spiritual life was transformed as I learned to step out of my Baptist box and find Jesus in other churches and fellowships.  After a few months, Naomi invited me to move in with her and her friends Margaret(Bauman) and Mary (Larson).  We shared life, food, prayer and a good deal of silliness. The joy of the Lord was our strength, and it was a very healing time for me.  Naomi was a marvelous example of graciousness and hospitality and there were always people dropping over to visit.  This is when I met all the people that Randy and I would later know in common, but he was in CA during most of  this time so I didn’t know him.  Through all the years she continued to be a dependable and Godly friend even after  we both moved on to other adventures.

In 1980 I moved to Indiana and several times I came to the Milwaukee area on weekends to visit, since it was too far for me to get all the way home. I would stay either with Ken and Mary or with you guys.  On one of those weekends, I met Randy and eventually, as you may recall, we were engaged in your basement. Over the years we have enjoyed innumerable tasty meals that Naomi graciously prepared for us and many times benefited from her gift of hospitality.  She was always a stalwart friend through thick and thin..the kind of friend I could depend on to accept me, listen patiently and empathize with me during hard times. I found her gift of mercy to be healing on many occasions over the 50 years that we were friends. She  was the kind of friend with whom you could pick up where you left off  and talk freely even after there had been a long separation. This kind of relationship was a special gift from God between two very different people.  I will always treasure the memory of my dear friend, Nomie.

God bless you and Amy, Peter and Michael as you celebrate her life.  I wish we could be there with you, but I’m glad for technology that bridges the miles between Arizona and Wisconsin.

Love, Judy

Randy Berdal

Thank you Richard and Naomi for the blessed influence you have both had in our lives. We will miss Naomi, but I know she is laughing and experiencing joy unspeakable and full of glory with our Lord.

Our early lives during college days

After the House of David started in 1971 some of the young Christian women found an apartment a few blocks away. Somewhat humorously we called it “The house of David Annex.” Naomi was one of those young Christian women, and she brought joy and laughter to the group. They were having so much fun there, goofing off and laughing so much, that us serious Christian brothers had to “rebuke” them for their spirit of “frivolity.” This created a memory that we all had to laugh about for the next 50 years. 

     Eventually Judy Mayo also lived in this apartment. Judy and I became  engaged in Richard and Naomi’s basement in 1982.

     Through the years we have stayed in contact with Richard & Naomi. Naomi has always shown us great kindness and hospitality, including us in small groups at their house and family events. In 1988 Naomi encourage us to consider adoption. Naomi’s sister Gretchen brought a very sick infant girl back to Wisconsin that had been abandoned in Mexico. One day Richard and Naomi came to visit us in Waukesha. When Naomi saw us, she said “are you guys interested in a little girl?”

The rest is history as that “little girl” became our daughter. Though she had some very difficult years, our daughter Aylana is today God’s trophy, a wonderful caring sweet daughter.

    Thank you Richard and Naomi for the blessed influence you have both had in our lives. We will miss Naomi, but I know she is laughing and experiencing joy unspeakable and full of glory with our Lord.

Lauri Thompson

As our parents snapped pictures of us, we both knew we were
taking something “out into the world” with us that was far better than an education!

I met Naomi in 1963 at Milwaukee Lutheran High School where she always seemed
friendly but I probably did not get to know her very well until our senior year. When
we discovered we had both chosen Eau Claire (she for nursing, me for journalism)
she asked if I’d like to room with her and I said yes. I think that was a blessing for
me because what if I had drifted from my faith, living away from home in college?

I quickly learned that Naomi had brought a childhood habit with her: She would go to
bed but not put the covers over her until after she had said her prayers! When I
showed her a little white book I had been given that had prayers written out which
one could “adopt” and use, she liked it and we’d often use it together.

I always felt like she came from a home that wasn’t just active in church but
individually practiced their strong faith in the home. On Sunday mornings we
faithfully rode the transportation that was sent by the Lutheran church to pick us up.

Naomi was a little more outgoing than me; I always remember one of our first days
in the dorm she said “Should we go down the hall and meet some girls?” I was
happy to have someone to nudge me to be more social. In retrospect, I don’t think it
was a personality trait as much as her genuine caring about other people.

We drifted apart the next couple years at college. But then I was given a journalism
assignment that led to me interviewing Campus Crusade for Christ staff and
students involved in the ministry. That resulted in my discovering a much higher
level of connection with Jesus, and my relationship with Him had become the center
of my life, and was now so exciting. One day when I bumped into Naomi on campus,
I discovered she had had a similar experience; I think hers came primarily from
Inter-Varsity Fellowship. But it didn’t matter because we were both thrilled with our
closer walks with God – and we now shared a much stronger desire to be used by
Him.

In June of 1971 on our sunny windy graduation day, we stood together joyously on
the campus lawn. As our parents snapped pictures of us, we both knew we were
taking something “out into the world” with us that was far better than an education!

Lauri Thompson

Naomi’s first job: Wisconsin State University-EC

Then on to Hazard Kentucky. Small rural health clinic.

Jackie Langenkamp

Shortly after Naomi went to be with Jesus, our devotion for the day from Nicky Gumbel spoke about Beauty. Our thoughts immediately went to Naomi.

“ ‘The serene beauty of a holy life is the most powerful influence in the world next to the power of God, ‘ according to Blaise Pascal. Holiness is beautiful and it has nothing to do with outward beauty. It is a beauty that radiates from within.’ “

Naomi had a lasting impact on our lives as she had on the lives of so many others. Once drawn in by her sweet smile, we experienced her loving kindness, sincerity, and welcoming spirit.  

We met at Divine Shepherd Lutheran Church in the late 1970s. It wasn’t long before we, along with a number of other young couples, were meeting at the Dassow’s home for Bible study and fellowship. We grew together spiritually and socially; raising kids, camping, having annual harvest parties, impromptu Sunday potlucks, and hikes at Doctor’s Park. Our lives have long since changed, but our memories of, and love for Naomi have not.  We have held Dick and Naomi and their family in our hearts.

It was C.S. Lewis who said, “How little people know who think holiness is dull.  When one meets the real thing…it is irresistible.”  Naomi, by the grace of God and the power of the Holy Spirit was irresistible. Jackie

Corrie Levine

Naomi and I met through Jail Ministry, where she helped me build confidence in my role. Her immense kindness was a guiding light. Naomi’s genuine care and concern for others were evident in every interaction, and her unparalleled ability to lift spirits with positivity shone through.

Naomi had an extraordinary gift for making everyone feel comfortable, secure, and enveloped in the love of Christ. I will forever remember Naomi as a good friend and a remarkable human being.

Sincerely, Cory

Tina Swanson Brookes President, The Academy-National Institute for Crisis Response Training (NICRT)

Tina visited us at Franklin. Dr Tina Brookes gave the keynote address at the 2014 Red Cross S.E. Wisconsin Convention at the Heidl House at Green Lake. Pyschological First Aid. With CEO Patty Flowers

Naomi had the most beautiful spirit about her. What a dear soul! Please know she touched my life in the best way~ Thank you Jesus she is at peace. I believe grief equals the depth of the love you had for her. I can only imagine your loss. Much love & prayers

Salvation Army

November 12, 2024
The Life of Naomi Dassow
Naomi served as a volunteer chaplain with The Salvation Army
from August 2015 to September 2024. Her last volunteer entry
was on August 16, 2024, when she volunteered for our Feed the
Kids summer program.

Naomi had 568.5 total lifetime volunteer hours with The Salvation
Army. This included Toy Shop distribution, the Feed the Kids
program, community prayer vigils, Milwaukee Police Department
crisis response support, Christmas Family Feast, and a host of
other Milwaukee community events.

She was certified in ‘Emotional and Spiritual Care in Disaster’ and
‘Grief Following Trauma’ support. Her training did not end there.
Naomi continued her education in many other areas offered by
The Salvation Army. However, no training was needed for her
contagious smile, and her willing heart to serve. That was just who
she was.

She is loved not only by The Salvation Army Chaplains but by
many others in the Wisconsin Upper Michigan Division (WUM).

She touched many lives far and wide.

Naomi, we know that The Almighty, looked upon you with loving
eyes and said, “Well done, my good and faithful servant”.

Always in our hearts,
The Salvation Army Milwaukee County Chaplain

Behind the Shield: Naomi Dassow, The Salvation Army of Milwaukee Co. Chaplains

Retired Nurses at The North Shore Health Dept.

Here is a tribute to Naomi from all of us at the North Shore Health Department.  

Linda

Naomi was a valued member of the North Shore Health Department for over fifteen years retiring several years ago. She brought experience in several areas of healthcare, including public health. She welcomed the chance to learn about environmental health and carried out inspections of food sellers and public pools.  She had a practical approach to issues and was a good problem solver.  She had a sharp sense of humor and helped us keep things in perspective.

We all enjoyed working with Naomi. She was a collaborative team player and a very competent nurse.  She was also a very kind, gentle, and considerate soul.  She was always ready to listen to problems and offer strategies on how to solve them. Naomi was able to develop a positive rapport with both coworkers and clients. She will be missed.  

Naomi was very comfortable with expressing her strong faith and positive acceptance of the curve balls life threw her way.  When asked how she coped with all the adversity in her life with such grace and resilience, she stated that “before she falls asleep every night, she counts her blessings and thanks God for them”.  And she truly believed she was the recipient of many blessings no matter what else was going on.  

Naomi was a very special person who contributed so much to so many.  She truly was someone who made a difference with her life.  

All of us who worked with Naomi at the North Shore Health Department are grateful to have known her.  We appreciate her many contributions to the community and will always remember her fondly.

Heal The Children

Peter, Juan Carlos, Ami and Michael

Heal The Children

Bob and Barb Christian and Foundation For His Ministry

Our friendship with Naomi & Dick began around 1979 when five couples were each married at Divine Shepherd Lutheran Church. Naomi & Dick were one of those couples, as were Bob & I. It was not long after that the Dassow’s opened their home to a couples Bible study. Through this experience we grew in our faith & understanding of God’s word and our friendships deepened as well.

It was early 1993 when a team was formed to go on a short term mission trip to Foundation for His Ministry (FFHM) in Baja California, Mexico. Naomi, Dick and their children were on the trip with us and several others. We had the privilege to return a one year old girl to her family after being in Milwaukee for cleft lip & palette repair. Naomi was the go-between of the family who cared for the infant during her surgery and healing in Milwaukee and our team who traveled with the child to return her to her family who lived near the FFHM campus.

It is true that friends are friends forever if the Lord’s the Lord of them.

Barbara & Bob

Naomi and baby at FFHM

“The time has come for me to leave this life. I have fought t he good fight. I have finished the race. I have kept the faith.

Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness which the Lord, the righteous judge, will award to me on that day.”

Paul’s Second Letter to Timothy.

End of the trail on this earth.

“The trail is long, and we won’t arrive at our destination in this life. Still, we’re on the journey with Jesus for the greatest thrill of our lives.” Zig Ziglar

And now Naomi is with Him!

What Naomi would say!

I’m Free!

I’m Free!