Obituary of Robert C. Dunn, MD

Robert, C. Dunn, MD., age 96. Born February 17, 1925, passed away peacefully at The Pillars of St. Paul on March 25, 2021. Preceded in death by father Clarence, mother Lucille, special aunt Helen Berns, brother Richard (Dick,) son David and wife Linda (Olson). Clearly he, his peers, and how they lived their lives are the reason theirs is referred to as "The Greatest Generation." Bob graduated from Central High School in St. Paul and was a pilot in the Air Force during World War II flying Douglas C47 Skytrain troop & supply transport airplanes in Europe. "I had my breakfast in Oslo, lunch in London and dinner in Paris." On his return he attended the University of Minnesota Medical School. Bob acknowledged his calling to medicine at an early age after binding his younger brother's cut foot on a kid's trip to the nearby railroad tracks. Bob would go on to become a Doctor, his brother a Locomotive Engineer. As a young physician and before the days of Paramedics, he rode the St. Paul Police & Fire Department's ambulance in the 50's and 60's, performing on-scene triage at accidents and fires with his ever present alligator skin Doctor's case. He spent his entire medical career based out of St. Joseph's Hospital in St. Paul, and his office practice was on West 7th Street in what today is Mancini's Char House. As a family practitioner, he delivered countless babies into our world and attended to the general medical needs of members of the West End Community. His later years in practice were spent at St. Joe's helping those afflicted with chemical dependency, encouraging them to find if only a bit of spirituality in their lives to assist with their recovery. He had that special memory that only doctors have, not needing a phone book or speed-dial. He knew his friends and family members phone numbers by heart. Bob loved golf and was a long-time member at both Hillcrest and Southview Country Clubs. He continued his love for flying and would ferry friends and their clubs to destination golf outings by plane. Friday afternoon rounds of golf and a compulsory visit to the 19th hole were a mainstay well into his 80s. More often than not he could be Friday afternoon rounds of golf and a compulsory visit to the 19th hole were a mainstay well into his 80s. More often than not he could be heard humming a tune and was known to break into a light-hearted or humorous song spontaneously. In conversation he was always inquisitive and interested in others much more than himself. Bob was a member of and benefactor to Oakwood Church of St. Paul, MN. His spiritual strength was comforting, and he shared that faith with others in subtle ways that left a lasting impression long after you were together. Bob is survived by his daughter Barbara (Mike) Mitzan; grandsons A.J and Zachary Mitzan, Joshua and Michael Dunn; great-grandson Sasha; special nephews Greg (Egor) and Dan (Danny Boy). Bob and The Dunn family owe a very sincere debt of gratitude to Debbie Gilsdorf for her tireless attention to all of Bob's needs as his primary care giver during the decline of his physical health over the last year. We are all saddened to our core on the loss of Bob, but his compassion, his gentle touch on our lives and the special memories that he gave to us will keep us smiling for the remainder of ours. Service 11:30AM, Tuesday, April 20 at Willwerscheid Funeral Home, 1167 Grand Avenue, St. Paul, 651-228-1006. Visitation 9:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. Private burial with Military Honors at Fort Snelling National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to AccentCare Hospice 767 Eustis Avenue St. Paul, MN 55104-0018. Service 11:30AM, Tuesday, April 20 at Willwerscheid Funeral Home, 1167 Grand Avenue, St. Paul, 651-228-1006. Visitation 9:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. Private burial with Military Honors at Fort Snelling National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to AccentCare Hospice 767 Eustis Avenue St. Paul, MN 55104-0018.