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Obituary for Roy "Bud" Dunn


Roy (Bud) Eugene Dunn (78) of Melrose, WI passed away peacefully surrounded by his family at the Bluffview Memory Care facility in Holmen, WI on May 26, (his birthday) 2023 after battling dementia.

Bud was born on May 26, 1945 to Roy O. and Gertrude (Dettinger) Dunn in Black River Falls, WI. Bud graduated from Black River Falls High School in 1963.

Bud married Kathy (Young) on September 6, 1981 at the Melrose United Methodist Church. They each brought two children into the marriage and completed their family after adding two more together. Together they owned and operated Dunn Drywall Inc. for thirty years. Bud’s greatest joy was his family. He spent his life patiently teaching those around him skills, hobbies, and lessons focused on his love of God and the outdoors. A day well spent included a walk on his hunting land, a cast of his line into the water, a trip down a groomed snowmobile trail with brother-in-law Denny and best friend, Wags, a front row seat at a child or grandchild’s sporting, musical or academic event, and even a walk on his stilts perfecting his craft. Hunting at home or out West with his kids, brothers-in-law, grandkids and nieces and nephews filled his heart. Canada fishing trips starting with his dad and siblings turned into those that will always be treasured by his sons, son-in-law, grandsons and close friends. We will miss his silly humor that always made us laugh; his gentle love for his beautiful granddaughters and “muma,” and his never-ending support, encouragement, love and faith for all of us. In this world there are no strangers, only friends I haven’t met.

Bud is survived by his wife, Kathy; six children, Darren (Shelayne) Dunn, Brad (Jane) Ramsey, Teresa (Kerry) Reetz, Kari (Corey) Peterson, Tyler (Elley) Dunn, and Hayley Beard; thirteen grandchildren: Tanner and Conner Dunn, Erik and Meghan Ramsey, Jordan and Jason Reetz, Seth, Brooke, and Brett Peterson, Griffin and Parker Dunn, and Elsie and Molly Beard; and two great grandchildren. He is also survived by his two sisters, Darlene Hostrawser and Jeanette Guy; brother-in-law, Dennis (Alice) Young, sister-in-law, Karleen Young, along with many nieces, nephews and dear friends.

Along with his parents and grandparents, Bud was preceded in death by his devoted son-in-law, Joey Beard, and his brothers-in-law, Willy Hostrawser, Jack Guy, and Rick Young.

A visitation is scheduled from 9:30-11:00 AM on Friday, June 2 at the Melrose United Methodist Church in Melrose, WI. Services will follow at 11:00 AM with lunch being served after in the church basement. In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to the Melrose United Methodist Church, The Melrose First Responders or The Melrose Fire Department. Fredrickson Funeral Homes and Crematory is assisting the family with arrangements. Lamentations 3:22-23 "The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness."