NORTH LIBERTY — Father Edmond Dunn, a retired priest of the Diocese of Davenport, died May 31, the Feast of the Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary, at Keystone Retirement Residence. He was 89.
A native of Oxford, he graduated with a bachelor’s degree from St. Ambrose College in Davenport, a master’s degree from the University of Iowa and a PhD in theology from Boston College.
Prior to becoming a priest, he taught music at Regina High School in Iowa City. He then studied abroad before completing theological studies at Pope John XXIII National Seminary in Weston, Massachusetts. He was ordained to the priesthood June 3, 1972, by Bishop Gerald O’Keefe at St. Mary Church in Oxford.
Father Dunn served on faculty at St. Ambrose College/University from 1975-2010. He served as spiritual director of the college’s seminary department, 1975-78; as rector, 1978-85; and director of spiritual formation, 1985-2001 and again from 2004-2010.
He took a sabbatical in 1997-98 from St. Ambrose to write the textbook, “What is Theology.” The book’s original intent was to be a collection of columns he wrote for the “Question Box” in The Catholic Messenger. His columns evolved into a textbook on theology that explores some core beliefs of the Catholic Church.
Father Dunn later served as administrator, pastor, then sacramental minister of St. Peter Parish in Cosgrove and St. Mary Parish in Oxford. He retired in 2019.
Visitation is June 20 from 4-7 p.m. at St. Peter Church in Cosgrove with a parish vigil service at 7 p.m. Father Dunn’s funeral will be June 21 at 10 a.m. at St. Mary Church in Oxford with burial to follow at Mt. Calvary Cemetery in Oxford.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Mt. Calvary Cemetery in Oxford or St. Peter Cemetery in Cosgrove for future needs and care.
Father Dunn made the difference; he was so encouraging and positive. In 1982, as I sat in the front pew in Christ the King Chapel, (with my 3 year old son), with the college catalog open in my lap praying that if I was meant to go to college that I would need the help of the Holy Spirit as the requirements for graduation were frightening. I didn’t know him at the time, but Father Dunn walked up to my pew and he could see I needed some consoling. After talking with him for a time, he told me very plainly that I would do well and would graduate, Father was so positive about it and very encouraging so I went back to Ambrose Hall and registered. I graduated with honors May 1986. Without Father’s encouragement, I would not have gone back to to register to give college a try. Thank you, Father Dunn