Vernon Joseph Dunn

FITCHBURG/OREGON-Vernon J. “Joe” Dunn, age 91, was welcomed into the Kingdom of Heaven on Saturday, July 8, 2017.  He was born on March 19, 1926, to John and Catherine (Maher) Dunn, on the family farm located on South Seminole Highway in Fitchburg.  Vernon graduated from Edgewood High School in 1944.  On March 19, 1945, his golden birthday, he was deployed to the Philippines where he worked for the U.S. Army as a file clerk in the 189th headquarters in Manila.  After being honorably discharged, he arrived in San Francisco, sailing right under the Golden Gate Bridge, on July 28, 1946 after a 21-day journey on the Pacific Ocean.  Vernon loved to tell stories of his time in the war over and over again, for decades to come.  Although he had been on such a big adventure, he was still a farmer at heart, heading back to the fields to work with his brothers the day after he got home. Vernon met his loving wife, Bernice McGowan of rural Oregon, when he was a hired farmhand on their farm.  They were united in marriage on Sept. 27, 1952, at Oregon Catholic Church. Vernon and Bernice made their home in the "Storytown" area for several years before finally settling on their current farmstead on Hwy D of Oregon in 1964. Vernon farmed here for several decades, sharing equipment, stories, and memories with his brothers and neighbors, and eventually sons, nephews, and grandsons.  Vernon and Bernice raised six children on this farm, and later his grandchildren and great-grandchildren would enjoy many memories of visiting grandpa and helping him feed the calves and kitties. Vernon was an exceptional example of an Irish- Catholic farmer who was always willing to help neighbors and friends.  For many years Vernon extended his helpful heart to his family at Holy Mother of Consolation Catholic Church in Oregon, volunteering as an usher for mass, and serving on the first parish council. He will be remembered for being a very loving and caring father, grandfather, neighbor, uncle, and husband.  Vernon is survived by his wife of nearly 65 years, Bernice Dunn; six children: Donald, David (Karen), Diane (James) Foelker, Michael (Christina), Steven (Laura), and Karen (Michael) Larson. He is further survived by his grandchildren, Matthew Dunn, Joshua Dunn (Bridget Manthey), Lee (Angela) Haag, Heather Haag, Devin Haag, Andrew (Alycia) Foelker, Sara (Michael Moody) Foelker, Keahn Dunn, Kevin Dunn, Joseph Dunn, Paul Dunn, Colleen Dunn, Ryan Larson (Jenna Furger), Adam Larson, and Kyle Larson (Courtney Krantz); and great-grandchildren, Emma, Lucas, Clayton, and Anabelle Haag, and Travis, Natalie, and Brooke Foelker. He was preceded in death by his parents; three brothers, Vincent, William, and Gerald; two sisters, Mary O’Brien, and Irene Kubes; nephew, Jim O'Brien; daughter-in-law, Betty; grandson, Christopher; granddaughter, Emily; as well as numerous in-laws, neighbors, and friends. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at HOLY MOTHER OF CONSOLATION CATHOLIC CHURCH, 651 N. Main St., Oregon, at 11 a.m. on Friday, July 14, 2017, with Father Gary Wankerl presiding.  Burial will follow at Oregon Catholic Cemetery. Visitation will be held at GUNDERSON OREGON FUNERAL AND CREMATION CARE, 1150 Park St., Oregon from 4 p.m. until 7 p.m. on Thursday, July 13, 2017, and at the church from 10 a.m. until the time of the Mass on Friday. A special thanks to everyone who compassionately took care of Vernon; your efforts towards making Vernon happy and comfortable in his last months have not gone unnoticed. May the road rise to meet you, may the wind be ever at your back. May the sun shine warm upon your face, and the rains fall soft upon your fields. And until we meet again, may God hold you in the palm of his hand.