Delbert “Del” Paul Dunn
Delbert “Del” Paul Dunn, 95, of Afton, died at home Saturday morning, September 18, 2021. The son of John and Alice (Allaire) Dunn, Delbert was born and raised in Onaway. Shortly after high school graduation he joined the U.S. Army and went on to serve during World War II in the European African Middle Eastern Theater and the Occupation of Germany. After returning home from the war, Delbert married Joyce Betty Bunker at Cross in the Woods in Indian River July 1, 1950. They were blessed with 56 years of marriage at the time of Joyce’s death in 2006.
Del and Joyce made their home in Pontiac where Del worked as an accountant for General Motors for nearly 35 years. With his sharp mind for finance and his savvy business sense, Delbert was well-respected at General Motors. He retired in 1981 and returned to northern Michigan in 1982 to enjoy his retirement years.
An avid outdoorsman, Delbert enjoyed deer hunting, pheasant hunting, and trips out West to hunt mule deer. Delbert had quite a green thumb. He loved tending to his vegetable garden and the beautiful flower gardens that he grew each summer. Besides his gardens, he and Joyce planted hundreds of trees on their property, which after her passing, Delbert continued to do with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He enjoyed watching the Detroit Lions and University of Michigan football games. He also enjoyed following the stock market and kept close track of his investments. Del loved to dance and could always be found on the dance floor at all the family weddings. He often spoke of times gone by when he and Joyce would go to the dance hall on Saturday night.
Del was smart, creative, and hardworking. With good old-fashioned ingenuity he made things work and saved things he just might need later. He believed in getting a good education, strong work ethic, and prided himself on living his entire life debt free! Patriotic, Del was proud of his military service and was a lifetime member of Onaway Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Post 5857. Dedicated to the post, he volunteered hundreds of hours to VFW activities. Devoted to his Christian faith. Delbert was a longtime member of St. Monica Catholic Church in Afton. With his friendly disposition and cheerful attitude, Del was always singing songs, whistling or humming. Well-loved, he was an inspiration to his family and will be missed by all who kn
Surviving Delbert is his daughter, Delene Tiernan of Afton; son, John “Jack” (Stacy) Dunn of Afton; former son-in-law, Mick Tiernan of Au Train; seven grandchildren, Michael, Michelle, Jonathan, Madelyn, Preston, Fallyn and Tyten; and numerous great-grandchildren. He also leaves his sisters, Donna Diller of Onaway and Rosemary Rugg of Rochester Hills as well as many nieces and nephews. Preceding Delbert in death were his wife, Joyce; brothers, James, Harold “Bud”, Arnold and Richard; sisters, Mabel Burt, Esther Hanel, Orphia Cradit, Jennie Clementson and Dorothy Grahn.
As were his wishes, cremation has taken place and no public services will be held. Del will be honored by his family privately. Those planning an expression of sympathy please consider a donation in memory of Delbert to Onaway VFW Post 5857.