Gary L. Dunn, a longtime resident of Prescott, WI, passed away at the age of 76 on Feb 1, 2019, after a brief stay in the hospital. He is survived by his spouse, Sheila Durbin Dunn; daughter Robyn (Christopher) Couillard, of Cottage Grove, MN; daughter Darbie (Chad) Johnson, and granddaughters Cambel and Ruby Johnson of Prescott, WI; sister Shirley (Roger) Klein; treasured nieces and nephews, and many other relatives and friends. Gary was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, William, Francis, Eugene, James, Kenneth, and Dwight; and sisters Norma (Denny) Hagenson, Bonita (Ed) Kylmanen, and Darlene (George) Aus.

Gary was born on July 20, 1942 in Carrington, ND, to Daisy (Imler) and Thomas Dunn, as one of the younger members of a large family. He grew up and attended school in Carrington. Gary survived polio at a young age and in spite of his physical disabilities, went on to enjoy life, entertaining family and friends with his quick sense of humor and mischievous personality. He attended college at Valley City State University and North Dakota State University and was a loyal fan of the NDSU Bison, the Green Bay Packers, and the Prescott (WI) Cardinals. He enjoyed a career in the life insurance industry, working for various insurers in the states of North Dakota and Minnesota, and had been retired for many years. Gary was active in civic affairs, serving on the city council and as mayor of the City of Prescott, WI.

One of his favorite times, in summers’ past, as captain of the Dunn IV and Dungaree II, was to entertain family and friends, cruising up and down the St. Croix and Mississippi Rivers. Whether jumping wakes, pulling up on a sandy beach, or sitting at the dock, every outing was an adventure for all aboard. For most of his life, while seated in his captain’s chair or around a table with family and friends, Gary’s personality encouraged one and all to enjoy life through laughter and camaraderie.

Join Gary’s family and friends for a final “Ship’s Ahoy” send-off on Friday, February 8, 2019, from 4:00-8:00pm, at the Old Ptaceks Event Center, 1449 Orrin Road in Prescott, WI. Dress in your favorite Prescott Cardinal, Green Bay Packer, or NDSU Bison gear is encouraged. In lieu of flowers, memorials honoring Gary may be directed to the Prescott Foundation, PO Box 392, Prescott WI 54021 or www.prescottfoundation.com . Services have been entrusted to the O’Connell-Benedict Funeral Home of Prescott, WI. 715-262-5404