Joseph Christen Dunn

Joseph Christen Dunn passed away suddenly at the age of 73 on December 28th, 2024 in Provo, Utah. He was enjoying the BYU football game after spending the day helping his daughter and son-in-law on projects during his short visit. He had spent his last few days as he always did; birding, serving others, enjoying sports, and visiting loved ones. Although he is mourned by the many who were blessed to know him, he has been joyously welcomed by his countless loved ones and friends who have passed on before.
Joseph was born on June 28th, 1951 in Alamosa, Colorado to Loyd Jensen Dunn and Cathryn Brothers Dunn. A little over a year after his birth, his father accepted a call to serve a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints leaving behind his wife and five young children. This example of sacrifice and love for the Savior set the tone throughout Joe's entire life.
A life-long learner, as a young boy he would sit and read encyclopedias for fun. He never lost his love for learning. He was a wise advisor and fount of knowledge for many. He could intelligently converse on any topic and if he didn't know about something he would research until he was a master on the subject.
In junior high his family moved to Lancaster, California where he lived and served most of his life. He graduated from Antelope Valley High School. Joe served his first mission in Melbourne Australia. He received both his bachelors and masters degree in geography from Brigham Young University.
He worked as a software engineer throughout his professional career. His adventurous spirit led to him being sent by his company to work in Utah, Florida, Japan, Malaysia, Canada, and finally back home in California where he eventually co-owned a software company.
While working in Salt Lake City he met and married his eternal companion LeeAnn Grigg Dunn. They were sealed for time and all eternity on October 25, 1986. The two travelled and served together. He was the wind beneath his loving wife's wings. Together they had one daughter, Rachel. As a family they visited all seven continents. Joseph and LeeAnn served together in the Russia Samara mission. They dearly love the people of Russia and the missionaries they served with.
An avid birder, Joe collected over 1650 species of birds on his life list. He spent hours birding as a child with his grandmother and the other Dunn boys, and later in life, he continued this passion on his own or with his brother, wife, daughter, or great nephews. In the month before his death he returned to his mission area in Australia and added 150 new species.
A hard worker, Joe would rise early and keep himself busy throughout the day. He kept a large garden, an orchard, and cared diligently for his five acres. In his free time he would watch every bit of BYU sports he could. He would also be found curled up on the couch with his laptop reading.
Joe was a man without guile and with love unfeigned. He was honest, Christlike, service oriented, stubborn, strong-willed, intelligent, kind, and gentle. He was welcoming to everyone and happily invited many into his home. In his home, he cared for his two girls and they love him dearly. He will be remembered fondly for his giggles when he laughed and his purrs when he had a good meal.
He quietly taught through example. Joe served in many callings including Young Men's leader, Young Adults, as bishop, stake presidency member, and was currently serving as seminary teacher in Lancaster. He and his wife co-chaired the Antelope Valley Creche Festival for 12 years and assisted for many more. They cherished helping bring the community together to celebrate the Savior. In addition to his official capacities, he served any he found in need. He found great joy in these moments and made many treasured friendships.
Joseph was preceded in death by his father Loyd Dunn, mother Cathryn Dunn, sister Lori Peacock, brother-in-law Von Richardson, brother-in-law Paul Pauly, sister-in-law Debbie Norman Grigg, and nephew William Clevenger. He is survived by his wife LeeAnn Dunn, daughter Rachel (Jordan) Scott, sister Vera (Vern) Olivier, brother Jerry (Jeanie) Dunn, sister Carol Richardson, brother Robert (Pam) Dunn, brother Terry (Louise) Dunn, sister Kim (Carlos) Castillo, brother-in-law Nelson Peacock, and many more brother-in-laws, sister-in-laws, friends, and family.
Viewings will be held on Thursday, January 9th at Walker Sanderson Funeral Home (85 E 300 S, Provo, UT 84606) from 6-8 pm and Friday, January 10th at the blue roof chapel (1745 S. State St, Provo, UT 84606) from 9:30-10:30 am. Funeral services will be the same day at 11 am in the chapel. Internment will immediately follow the funeral at the Provo Cemetery (610 S. State St, Provo, UT 84606). Information for a memorial in Lancaster coming at a later date.