Joseph Vernon Dunn


Joseph Vernon Dunn, age 101, of Grand Blanc, Michigan died peacefully on the morning of Holy Thursday, March 28, 2024. Joe was born in St. Louis, Missouri to Dorothy (Stines), and Timothy Dunn. After graduating from St. Louis University, he served his country during WW II as a 2nd Lt. (Army).

Joe married the love of his life, Elizabeth (Betty) Griffin in 1947, having met on the SS Admiral, an excursion steamboat on the Mississippi River in St. Louis. After they married, Joe began a long and successful career in finance with General Motors and relocated to Michigan where he and Betty raised their family. Following 35 years with GM, Joe entered into a second, fulfilling career with Carpenter Enterprises in Fenton. MI.

A faithful servant to his Catholic faith, Joe served in many capacities, in particular, as an officer with the Knights of Columbus. He honored his Irish heritage with his membership in the Ancient Order of Hibernians. In his free time, Joe was often found on the golf course. He enjoyed playing bridge and cribbage, woodworking, travel, and family gatherings.

Joe was a loving and generous father. He and Betty, (deceased 2012), were devoted to family, faith and service. Joe was a lifelong servant to the Holy Family Parish, serving as volunteer and mentor to so many. Even at 100, he still enjoyed flipping pancakes and tabulating proceeds at the Knights’ pancake breakfasts and spaghetti dinners.

Joe is survived by his five daughters and one son: Kathy (David, d.) Hayes of Grand Blanc Township, twins Christy (John) Rick and Judy Sowders, both of Hemlock, Barb (Tom) Edwards of Scottsdale, Marianne Dunn (Brian Seely), and Jay (Sue) Dunn, both of Rockford Michigan. He was grandfather to 12, great grandfather to17 and is survived by the youngest of his four siblings, sister Jo Ann (John) Parisi of Smithville, Tennessee. 

Visitation at 9 am on Friday April 12, 2024, at Holy Family Catholic Church, 11804 S Saginaw St in Grand Blanc followed by a memorial Mass at 10am. In accordance with his wishes, anatomical donation to the Michigan State University Medical School has taken place. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired: abvimi.org, (please designate the RISE Program) or to the Knights of Columbus Council 6742.

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