- Born on: October 2, 1943
- Departed on: September 17, 2023
- Resided in: Wellman, IA
Kathleen Ann Dunn
Kathleen Ann Dunn (A.K.A. "Toot"), age 79, of Parkview Manor, Wellman, IA (former resident of Fairfield, IA), passed away after a lengthy illness, Sept .17, 2023. She was born Oct. 2, 1943 in Rockford, IL, to parents J. Francis Dunn and Winifred C. (Doran) Dunn.
Her family moved to Denver, CO, where she went through primary and secondary education, graduating from Cathedral High School, June 1961. She had one year of college at the University of Minnesota in St. Cloud, before returning to Colorado, where she entered and graduated from Penrose Hospital School of Radiology, Colorado Springs, in September 1964. She worked with doctors' office in Denver after graduation.
In 1970 Kathleen moved to Santa Monica, CA, where over the next 30 years she embarked on a number of adventures. She worked as a radiology technician, and learned new skill sets, including almost 25 years as a self-taught master gardener. In later years she returned to the Midwest to be near family living in Fairfield, IA. There she continued her love of nature with her gardening work, rescuing animals (especially stray cats) and enjoying birdwatching. In December 2022, she began residing at Parkview Manor in Wellman, IA.
Kathleen will be remembered for her love of train travel, visiting family and friends, and card and board games. She was quick to volunteer to help friends and neighbors in need, even during her illness. She had great ability to create magic with anything growing and green. She was an avid NY Times crossword puzzle player, always enjoyed with a "good cuppa' tea."
Kathleen was preceded in death by her parents, niece Kristina (Van Dyke) Kittelson, and sister-in-law, Yvonne (Ed) Dunn. She is survived by siblings: J. Edward, San Luis Obispo, CA; Mary Ellen Maguire, Fairfield, IA; Robert Steve (Georgia), Novato, CA; her nephews: John Van Dyke, Damon Dunn and Brian Kittelson, several great-nieces and -nephews.
No local services were held in Fairfield, IA. Family members will gather for a private celebration and memorial service in Inverness, CA, in the spring of 2024. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the animal rescue shelter in your local area. Cards may be sent to Mary Ellen Maguire, 1103 S. 3rd Street, Fairfield, IA 52556.
