Ernie Dunn

Public Graveside Services: Will be held on Sunday, July 11, 2021, at 5:00 p.m. at the Fontanelle Cemetery, Fontanelle, Iowa. Mrs. Roberta Carpenter will officiate the service. The Steen Funeral Home in Fontanelle is in charge of the professional arrangements. 

Celebration of Life Services: Will be held on Sunday, July 11, 2021, at 6:00 p.m. at the Activity Center in Bridgewater, Iowa, with food and reminiscing following. 

Memorials: May be directed to the Bridgewater Fire Department or to the Bridgewater City Park. 

Ernie Dunn passed away on Monday, July 5th, 2021 on his farm near Bridgewater, Iowa. He was a loving husband, father, and grandfather. 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 on October 22nd, 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 on December 12th, 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.