James Joseph Dunne

James J. Dunne, 79, of Brainerd, passed away Wednesday, October 27, 2021, at Essentia Health – St. Joseph’s Medical Center.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 a.m., Saturday, October 30, 2021, at St. Andrew’s Catholic Church in Brainerd. Fr. Gabriel Waweru will officiate. Family and friends are welcome to gather Friday evening from 5-7 p.m. at Nelson – Doran Funeral Home and again one hour prior to Mass at the church on Saturday. Interment with Military Honors will take place at St. Mathias Cemetery in Fort Ripley.

James was born November 20, 1941, in Vesta, MN, the son of Thomas and Lillian (Soupir) Dunne. After graduating from high school, he proudly served in the US Navy for three years. Later, he attended college and would eventually earn his master’s degree in Education. He enjoyed the students he met the many years he taught Industrial Arts. He spent his summer vacations farming and doing carpentry work.

He enjoyed hunting, fishing, and gardening. He and his wife, Mary, spent many mornings scouting local garage sales for the best deals. Faith and family were the two cornerstones of James’ life. He found comfort in attending daily Mass and looked forward to the time he spent with his wife, children, and grandchildren. 

He will be missed by his wife of 55 years, Mary; children, Charlotte (Aron) Haber, Joseph (Tracy) Dunne, Karen (James) Brau, and Denise (Robert) Karl; grandchildren, Gretchen, Carter, Mitchell, Mary Jo, Lucy, John, Clara, Peter, Cassandra, Pierce, Vernon, Bethany, and Erica; sister, Janice (Thomas) Segar; brother-in-law, FJ Archer; and many extended family members and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents; infant grandson, Robert Gerard Karl; brother, Fr. Dennis Dunne; and sister, Kathleen Archer.

Memorials are preferred to a Catholic Charity of your choice.

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