Van F. Dunn, Jr.

Van F. Dunn, Jr.
March 20th, 1933 - April 11th, 2023

Van F. Dunn, Jr., left us a remarkable legacy of faith, integrity and service. He lived a full and purpose filled life as a son, brother, husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather and friend. To his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, he was affectionately known as Pop Pop. On Tuesday, April 11th, at the age of 90, Van passed peacefully from this life and had a joyous reunion with his oldest son, David Van.

Van was outgoing and approachable. He cared deeply about the people around him, especially his wife, Janis, and children Christi, Robyn, Thomas and John. His family was his crowning achievement and the one for which he was most proud. Many have been the recipient of his kind and generous nature. He loved fishing on Strawberry, boating at Lake Powell, golfing in St. George, reading a good book, teaching his kids geography and how to play chess, and the grandkids how to fish. Van loved to create backyard flower gardens and he loved a good joke. His lighthearted humor and one-liners kept us laughing to the very end.

Van was born in Ogden, Utah on March 20th, 1933 and spent his childhood in rural Corinne, Utah where he loved scouts and running around with friends. After graduating from Box Elder High school, Van was determined to attend college. Funds were offered by a generous aunt and uncle so he could enroll at Utah State University. He was a true collegian, serving as a student body financial officer and president of his fraternity Pi Kappa Alpha. He graduated from the ROTC program as a first lieutenant in the Air Force and earned his bachelor's degree in business administration in 1955. In 2006, Van received the Professional Achievement Award from USU’s Huntsman School of Business for which he was truly honored and proud. He loved his alma mater, and always looked back on his time there with fondness.

Van was introduced to the beautiful Janis Bergeson, a reigning Miss Utah State. They became sweethearts and were married in Cornish, Utah in 1955. After completing military service, Van and Janis returned to Utah. They moved to Salt Lake City to begin a career in finance at Merrill Lynch Wealth Management. He trained at the New York Stock Exchange and earned his Securities Certificate from New York University. Van started out in the “bullpen” like any other broker and built an impressive book of business. His success led to another brokerage, Kidder, Peabody & Co. where he was recognized with numerous awards, including account executive of the year. Van also never forgot the importance of serving his community. He was an active member of Amicus at LDS Hospital and the Deseret Foundation, which raised funds for medical research.

Through kind and consistent efforts of loving friends, Van joined The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in 1967 at age 35. A year later, Van, Janis and their children were sealed for time and all eternity in the Logan Temple. His faith was central to his life and he served in many capacities including bishop. In January of 1991, President Thomas S. Monson invited Van and Janis to preside over the England London South Mission. While there, they made lasting friendships and connections. President and Sister Dunn were beloved and they in turn loved their missionaries. Missionary service was one of the highlights of their lives. Upon their return home, Van was called to serve as a sealer in the Salt Lake Temple where he performed many marriages, including those of his own grandchildren.

Van lived a vibrant and passionate life founded on Jesus Christ and His Gospel. He embodied the values of kindness and hard work in his career, church service and family. He loved those he served, he loved his family and he loved the Savior. We are grateful for his example and hope to continue his legacy going forward. We give thanks to our Savior for the great plan of happiness that will bring us all together again one day.
Van is survived by his sweetheart, Janis, and their four children: Christi (Greg), Robyn (Randy), Thomas (Shannon), and John (Melissa); his sister, Marilyn Campbell; his brother, Curt Hansen; 16 grandchildren; and 13 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his son, David Van; his mother, Dorothy Genevieve Baker Hansen; his father, Van Dunn, Sr.; and his stepfather, Montrey Hansen.

As a family, we are incredibly grateful for those who loved and cared for Van in recent months. Our sincere thanks to the many dedicated staff at The Auberge at Aspen Park and Sunrise Senior Living in Salt Lake City for the kind and compassionate care he received. We are so thankful for the many kindnesses extended to our Mom and inquiries made about our Dad by loved ones and friends.

A visitation will be held Saturday, April 22nd, 2023 at 9:30 A.M. followed by a Celebration of Life at 11:00 am at Larkin Mortuary, 260 E. South Temple, Salt Lake City, Utah. Interment at Logan City Cemetery.

For those unable to attend, services will be streamed via Zoom. Please click on the watch services link above. You must be signed in to your Zoom account to view.