Obituary of Dakota Grey Willmann

Dakota was the beloved first child to his mom, Erin Welch; first grandchild to Mark and Kay Welch, Vic and Pam Willmann, Joyce Romig, and Marylyn Bridges Kidd; and first nephew to Hal and Amy Welch, Dianne Cockrill, Jeremy White, Melissa Kidd, Ted and Kelly Willmann, and Steve Willmann. He was the cutest, most handsome, and smartest little guy ever. Dakota was adored by many. He had us wrapped around his finger with his wonderful crooked grin. HE WAS PERFECT. Dakota was a gentle, kind soul from the very beginning. As a toddler, he loved his horse figurines, action figures, and Native American cabbage patch doll, Frazier, routinely covering them with washcloths and dish towels, he would pat their backs to sleep. Being in and out of doctor's offices and hospitals regularly from the time he was an infant, Dakota gained compassion and so. much. patience! Dakota adored his little sister, Paige, and loved being her protector. He even saved her life by doing the Heimlich when she was choking on a piece of hard Halloween candy. He was so proud of both of his younger sisters that he had their names tattooed on his neck for everyone to see. Dakota's gentle loving spirit carried into adulthood when he became a surrogate father to a girlfriend's newborn baby, his daughter-in-love, Marley. He loved Marley as much as any father could. Caring for Marley was one of the happiest times in his life. His gentleness, love, and kindness were apparent to all who observed. While school may not have been Dakota's passion, he always loved learning. Nothing got past him, even when it seemed he wasn't paying attention. He loved watching documentaries about all kinds of subjects. He had an open mind for acquiring new knowledge and experiences. Dakota had a keen and quick sense of humor, appreciating everything from slapstick humor to the very subtle. Human bonds such as the one we had with Dakota never end. Our strong faith tells us that this is not a goodbye, but a "see you later". Our spirits and love will keep us connected. Thankfully, this kind of love never ends. Matthew 11:28-30 "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light." 2 Corinthians 12:9 But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me. Lamentations 3:32 He will show compassion according to the abundance of His faithful love. Memorial Service, 2:00PM, Saturday, October 12, 2019, The Springs Funeral Services-North, 6575 Oakwood Boulevard, Colorado Springs, Colorado 80923.Memorial contributions in Dakota's memory may be made to the International Anglican Church, 1305 North Union Boulevard, Colorado Springs, Colorado 80909 or online at: springsiac.churchcenter.com/giving/to/dakota-willmann-memorial All funds collected will be given to the Springs Rescue Mission. Events Memorial Service Saturday, October 12, 2019 2:00PM The Springs Funeral Services - North 6575 Oakwood Blvd. Colorado Springs, CO 80923 Phone: 719-207-8611