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   James (Bart) Barton Dunn passed away with his family by his side on March 31, 2025, at the age of 77.  A beloved husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, Bart leaves behind a legacy built on love, craftsmanship, and quiet strength.  

   Born on July 9, 1947, in Minneapolis, Minnesota, Bart was the son of Edmund Barlow Dunn and Elizabeth Jean (Watters) Dunn. He grew up in Minneapolis and Edina. He graduated from Edina High School in 1965 before serving his country as a Damage Control Specialist in the United States Navy from 1967 to 1971. In 1968, he married the love of his life, Carol Bren. Following his service, he attended the University of Minnesota studying Construction Management. 

   Bart was a skilled carpenter and entrepreneur, running his own construction company in the Minneapolis area. In 1988, he and Carol moved their family to the Pequot Lakes area, where he continued his work in construction. In 2010, they settled into their home in Hackensack, Minnesota.

   A man of many passions, Bart loved spending time in his workshop, casting a line in the water, hunting in the quiet woods, golfing with friends, and traveling with family. He found special joy at the Pine Shadows family cabin on Lower Hay Lake, the Whitefish Chain, the surrounding woods, the shores of Lake Superior, and the community of Grand Marais. He especially enjoyed time at the North House Folk School and peaceful moments by the lake. In his later years, Bart faced several health challenges and a mobility issue with quiet courage and resilience. Despite these struggles, he continued to live life fully and with grace, always cherishing time with family, the outdoors, and the simple pleasures that he loved.

He was preceded in death by his parents and by two of his beloved children, Jeffrey Arthur Dunn and Jennifer Christine Dunn.

   He is survived by his devoted wife of 56 years, Carol Dunn; his children Christopher Dunn (Kirsten), Erik Dunn (Mary Ann), Amy Dunn Nance (David), and Melissa Dunn; ten grandchildren and five great-grandchildren; six siblings Patricia Mohrhauser, Mark Dunn, Barbara Kelly, Timothy Dunn (Marge), Deborah Block (Steve) and Teresa Caffrey (Steve); nieces, nephews and cousins.

   Bart’s life was defined by hard work, devotion to family, and a deep appreciation for the simple pleasures of nature and craft. He will be remembered for his warm presence, his steady hands, and the countless ways he built not only homes — but a beautiful life for those he loved.

   A funeral and celebration of life will be held Saturday, June 7, 2025, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 230 MN-371, Hackensack, MN 56452. Visitation will be at 11:00 with the service at 12:00 and lunch to follow. In lieu of flowers, the family invites memorial contributions to be made in Bart’s honor to the North House Folk School, PO Box 759, Grand Marais, MN 55604  www.northhouse.org  888-387-9762  

   Arrangements have been entrusted to Brenny-Kline Funeral Home.

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