Ralph Deloy Dunn, of Blackfoot, Idaho passed away at his home in Blackfoot, Idaho on January 27, 2024 from pancreatic cancer.
Ralph was born on May 24, 1941 in Pocatello, Idaho to H. Job (Joe) Dunn and Eurilla Irene Ward Dunn.
Ralph graduated from Pocatello High School in 1959. He was a popular guy and was voted "Biggest Flirt" by his classmates. Always having a love of business, he attended the National DECCA Convention in Tacoma, Washington his Senior year. It's rumored, much to his parents' disapproval, this convention is where he got his first and only tattoo… (Don't tell him we told you.)
In October of 1959, Ralph became a member of the United States Airforce. He completed his basic training in Texas and was quickly scouted for the Tech School in Biloxi, Mississippi. Ralph was assigned to the Airforce Security Wing in Darmstadt Germany. He supervised a team of men responsible for the interception and deciphering of enemy code. He was honorably discharged in April 1961.
Upon his return to Pocatello, Ralph saw Kathleen Draper's photograph in the local newspaper, announcing her as the winner of the swimsuit competition and Miss Congeniality in the Miss Pocatello pageant. She caught his eye with one photograph and he asked her out. After their first date together in May, Kathleen walked into her house and told her mother, "I'm going to marry that boy."
They were married on August 31, 1961 in Pocatello and later sealed together on July 6, 1967 in the Idaho Falls LDS Temple. Ralph and Kathy are the parents of 5 children; Corwin, Kirk, Joe, Camille and Richard. They have 20 grandchildren and 2 great grandchildren.
Ralph always had a love of and eye for business. He opened and managed several clothing stores for Block's Clothing Company in Utah and Idaho. Ralph was also the owner of Skogmo's and Brown & Gesas in Rigby and Blackfoot. Ralph finished his career as a comptroller for KAPS (Kirkham Auto Parts Stores.)
After retirement, Ralph gave tender loving care to Kathy during her last years as she battled Alzheimer's. Their side by side journey made Ralph a better man in all aspects of life. Their children are eternally grateful for the care he gave to their mother. Kathy preceded him in death on January 28, 2017.
Ralph married Linda Lyon of Blackfoot, Idaho January 1, 2018. Ralph enjoyed their companionship during this time. Ralph cared for Linda during her cancer diagnosis in their home with love and respect. He cared for her every need. She preceded him in death on April 29, 2021.
Ralph was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints and served faithfully in many callings, including that of an ordinance worker in the Pocatello, Idaho temple.
Ralph married Pat Schaefer on March 25, 2023. Ralph and Pat were darling together, laughed together and loved each day. Corwin, Kirk, Joe, Camille and Richard love Pat dearly and will forever consider her a part of our family. The childrens' only wish was that they would have had more time together to enjoy life. The Dunn children are thankful beyond words for the love and acceptance given by Pat's family to Ralph. In such a short time, we became a blended family. Bonded together in joy and heartache.
Corwin, Kirk, Joe and Camille would also like to publicly thank their youngest brother, Richard, for the every day, every hour care he gave Ralph. Richard never left him alone and made sure he was comfortable and loved while still making Ralph laugh. Richard was talking to him and holding his hand when he passed. Richard was tender and kind through the most heart wrenching of times. We are forever thankful for Richard's love and service to our dad.
Ralph is survived by his wife, Pat Schaefer Dunn of Blackfoot;
Children: Corwin (Lezley) Dunn, of Blackfoot, Idaho; Kirk (Lyndell) Dunn, of Denver, Colorado; Joe (Deborah) Dunn, of Grants Pass, Oregon; Camille (Peter) Neibert, of St George, Utah and Richard (Kambrel) Dunn, of Blackfoot, Idaho. Sister: Sherryl Dunn Whittaker of Boise, Idaho.
Ralph was preceded in death by his parents, H. Joe and Eurilla Dunn; brother, Noel Dunn, and brother-in-law, Joel Whittaker.
A viewing will be held on Friday February 2, 2024 at Hawker Funeral Home from 6-8 p.m. Funeral services will be held at the Blackfoot 2nd Ward LDS church building located at 660 Teton Road in Blackfoot, Idaho, on Saturday February 3, 2024 at 11:00 a.m., with a viewing beginning 1 hour prior to the services. The burial will be at Rest Lawn Memorial Garden in Pocatello, Idaho, with a family luncheon to follow.
