Robert Neil “Bob” Dunn

Robert Neil “Bob” Dunn, 93, passed away peacefully February 7, 2021 at his home in Rochester, MN. Bob was born November 11, 1927 in Ida County, Iowa to Daniel and Mary (Ogle) Dunn. At age 13 the family moved to a farm in south central MN. Bob graduated from Minnesota Lake High School and immediately enlisted in the U.S. Navy serving 2 years.
In December 1948 he married his high school sweetheart, Jo Ann Foster. After farming several years with his father, Bob felt called into ministry. He did his undergraduate studies at Hamline University, St. Paul and Winona State University. He received his Masters of Divinity from Duke University Divinity School, Durham NC. Bob served as an ordained minister in the Minnesota conference of the United Methodist Church (UMC) from 1970 until his retirement in 1993.
Bob’s earliest student appointments were at Kellogg and Weaver, MN. His first full time appointment was to First UMC Austin, and then at Princeton and Spencer Brook UMC. His final appointment was on the staff of Christ United Methodist Church (CUMC), Rochester, MN where he served 11 years. Bob’s wife of 52 years, Jo Ann, died in 2001. Five years later he married Joyce Sharp of Rochester. Bob loved his chosen profession and met and made so many friends along the way. He remained active in, committed to, and supportive of CUMC until his death. Bob especially enjoyed his Thursday morning men’s group at CUMC. He liked to read and watch his Alma mater Duke Blue Devils on TV.
Bob is survived by his wife, Joyce; sons, Bill (Carol) Dunn, Rob Dunn, Tim (Amy Liebman) Dunn; daughters, Karen (Phil) Hagwood, Eileen (Mike) Williams; daughter-in-law, Debbie Dunn; 15 grandchildren, 12 great grandchildren, and one great, great grandchild. Also mourning Bob’s passing are Joyce’s four grown children and spouses, and her 9 grandchildren, whom Bob came to know and love.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Dan and Mary Dunn; brother, John Dunn; sister, Lois Swanson; first wife, Jo Ann; and son, Curt Dunn.
A Celebration of Life service will be held at CUMC after pandemic restrictions are eased. Funeral arrangements are by Ranfranz and Vine Funeral Home. The family is grateful for the kindness, help and support of friends, Dr. Tom Jaeger, and the staff at The Waters on Mayowood, and Seasons Hospice during Bob’s final weeks of life.
Memorial donations may be made to CUMC, Seasons Hospice, or a charity of choice. Ranfranz and Vine Funeral Home is honored to be serving the Dunn family; to share a special memory or condolence please visit www.ranfranzandvinefh.com