Ernie “Ern” Dunn, 66, of Bridgewater, passed away Monday, July 5, 2021, on his farm near Bridgewater. He was a loving husband, father and grandfather.
Public graveside services will be 5 p.m. Sunday, July 11, 2021, at Fontanelle Cemetery. Mrs. Roberta Carpenter will officiate. A Celebration of Life service will be 6 p.m. Sunday, July 11, 2021, at the Activity Center in Bridgewater, with food and reminiscing following.
Memorials may be directed to Bridgewater Fire Department or to Bridgewater City Park.
Ern’s strong work ethic and dedicated nature stayed with him over the years and can be seen in all aspects of his life: farming, family and friendships.
Ernest Eugene Dunn was born Oct. 22, 1954, to Eugene Dunn and Vivienne Glade. Continuing the family tradition, Ernie helped out on the farm. He graduated from Orient-Macksburg High School in 1972 and continued helping his father and friends. Through this work, he met Mary Christensen. They fell in love and were married Dec. 12, 1976. The couple lived in a few places before settling on their forever farm south of Bridgewater. During this time, Joseph William and Christine Anna completed their family. Ernie enjoyed going to their games, performances and special events.
When he wasn’t farming, Ernie spent his younger years selling Jake’s Seed Corn. This gave him the chance to meet many customers that would become lifelong friends. Ern also spent time delivering the newspaper on the weekends. He loved serving his community by being a part of the Bridgewater Fire Department. Many days and nights were spent helping others and creating memories with friends.
Ernie enjoyed traveling, whether it was to Mardi Gras, New York City or Le Claire, Iowa. He and Mary spent many enjoyable trips together exploring local businesses, food and scenery. They also tried to take in a ball game or two each year to cheer on the Cubbies and Chiefs.
The most important thing to Ernie were his grandchildren. He loved taking them fishing, giving them rides in the Rhino and filling up the cow tank for swimming. The living room floor was always filled with tractors, balls and other toys for the grandkids to enjoy. Ernie preferred sitting out on the patio and watching everyone play, however, he was always happy to hop up and push his girls on the swings or refill the lawn mower for more driving. They truly were his pride and joy.
Ernie was preceded in death by Angel Baby Dunn, grandchildren: Angel Baby Skog and Liam Dragon, father Eugene Dunn and father-in-law Wilbur Christensen.
Those left to cherish his memory are his wife, Mary; son Joseph (Misty) Dunn and daughter Christine (Adam) Skog; grandchildren Haylee Dunn, Tyler Dunn, Lillie Dunn, Emma Dunn, Harper Skog and Beckham Dunn; mother Vivienne Dunn and mother-in-law Beth Christensen; many friends and fellow farmers.
Steen Funeral Home in Fontanelle is in charge of professional arrangements. Online condolences may be left to the family at www.steenfunerals.com.