Thursday, Sept 23, 2021 Jessie “Joan” Osborn Dunning passed away peacefully in her sleep after a brief stay in Holy Rosary Hospital with her son, Leonard by her side.
Joan was born July 16, 1931 in St. Louis, Missouri to Jesse and Fidella May Osborn. She attended Soldan High School and later graduated from St. Louis University with a nursing degree. She was subsequently accepted into medical school, an incredible accomplishment for a woman of that time. While working required rounds and service to the local Air Force Base she met a skinny serviceman with appendicitis. George Dunning, a native of Rosebud, Montana was then stationed on Scott AFB. George and Joan would spend the next several weeks dancing and building the beginning of a relationship. George would sometimes visit Joan’s family home His last visit, before shipping out to Okinawa, Japan and after saying goodbye to Joan, George told her mother, “I’ll be back for her.” George held true to that promise and in 1954, on April 24th the two were married in St. Louis. George and Joan shared 36 wonderful years of marriage until George’s passing in 1990. Joan was not yet 23 years old at the time of her marriage. However, she always referred to herself as an “old maid” when recounting the tale to family later in life.
George and Joan made their home in St. Louis where George began his career with the Federal Aviation Administration. They had the first three of their ten children, – Fidella, Duke, and Pat, in St. Louis. While nearly moving to North Dakota in 1958, George found an available assignment closer to his childhood home in Miles City, Montana. George, Joan – now pregnant with her fourth child, and having two of the first three children still in cloth diapers, packed up and began their journey to Miles City. Joan’s parents had doubts that doctors had even made it to eastern Montana and worried for Joan’s upcoming delivery. Joan did find an OB/GYN in Miles City. However, ironically enough Joan would deliver George Bryan by herself in the delivery room with the doctor en route from home.
Eventually, the two bought a home near the high school in 1959 and Joan never moved again. Though her love for the medical profession never faded, Joan took on the task of full-time Mom raising ten wonderful children (depending on who you ask). The neighborhood was never the same again. There were enough significant events in the young family to create a full game of Dunning-opoly that still sits on the game shelf of the family cabin in South Dakota. It would be a hard task to find someone from Miles City at that time who does not have a memory involving some member of the Dunning clan of 312 South Cottage Grove. Joan was a fantastic cook, homemade doughnuts, cinnamon, and heath bar rolls were some breakfast specialties that many remember to this day. Pans of hot sweet rolls lasted little more than minutes with ten kids living at home and each frequently with a few friends in tow. Summers were spent at the oasis as all her kids took swim lessons, many joining the swim team and working as lifeguards. Often the whole family would load up in a single vehicle, however they would fit and head to the Black Hills to spend time at the cabin. Joan was particularly fond of the cabin and could get chipmunks to eat right out of her palm.
As George and Joan’s kids grew older and they began to move out, a new generation moved in. Joan’s ten children provided her with nearly 30 grandchildren when all was said and done. Many of those grandchildren spent summers at grandma’s house and at the Oasis. That generation was taught how to read before they were in school atop Grandma Joan’s lap. They learned how to knit, how to bake, and how to complete the Friday newspaper crossword in pen.
Joan spent her twilight years with her cats and dogs, a cup of tea in hand always. She decided it was finally time to get her driver’s license at the spritely age of 70 and used it to go to work at the library and hot lunch program. She spent time volunteering at a local nursing home where she read to the residents. She did this until she was older than many of those in her audience. She was an active member of a knitting group with her dear friend Margaret and looked forward to their meetings. She would relax in her rocking chair on the phone with her children or theirs. She was always surrounded by family watching Wheel of Fortune and Jeopardy. Shouting the answer out before Joan was a feat worthy of a plaque. If 30 grandchildren were not enough, she was blessed with a growing list of great-grandchildren which will be close to ten in a few months’ time.
Joan is survived by her only brother, Robert (Gerry) Osborn, and by nine children; Fidella (Mark) Brown, Patricia (Mike) Goecke, George Bryan Dunning, JR., Leonard (Mari) Dunning, Christine (Dan) Joyce, Terry McComas and her partner Erik Larsen, Katherine (Alfred) Akiti, Robert Dunning, and Jesse (Mary) Dunning. Several grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
She is preceded in death by her parents, her beloved husband George, her sister Jean Musick, and her oldest son Richard (Duke).
Service Schedule
Family to Receive Friends
4:00 p.m to 6:00 p.m.
Monday October 4, 2021
Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home
1717 Main Street
Miles City, Montana 59301
Rosary Service
6:00 p.m.
Monday October 4, 2021
Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home
1717 Main Street
Miles City, Montana 59301
Mass of Christian Burial
11:00 a.m.
Tuesday October 5, 2021
Sacred Hearth Catholic Church
120 N Montana Ave
Miles City, MT 59301
Rite of Committal
Immediately following the Mass of Christian Burial
Tuesday October 5, 2021
Calvary Cemetery
Miles City, Montana 59301
Luncheon
Following the Rite of Committal
Tuesday October 5, 2021
Parish Hall- Sacred Heart Catholic Church
120 N Montana Ave
Miles City , Montana 59301
Service Schedule
Family to Receive Friends
4:00 p.m to 6:00 p.m.
Monday October 4, 2021
Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home
1717 Main Street
Miles City, Montana 59301
Rosary Service
6:00 p.m.
Monday October 4, 2021
Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home
1717 Main Street
Miles City, Montana 59301
Mass of Christian Burial
11:00 a.m.
Tuesday October 5, 2021
Sacred Hearth Catholic Church
120 N Montana Ave
Miles City, MT 59301
Rite of Committal
Immediately following the Mass of Christian Burial
Tuesday October 5, 2021
Calvary Cemetery
Miles City, Montana 59301
Luncheon
Following the Rite of Committal
Tuesday October 5, 2021
Parish Hall- Sacred Heart Catholic Church
120 N Montana Ave
Miles City , Montana 59301
Share
MARTHA CRANDALL says
my sympathy
Vikki Bradley says
Dunning family, so sorry for the loss of your mother. She was a awesome lady and will be greatly missed by all. Thoughts and prayers to all.
Kevin and Michelle Carda says
We are truly sorry for your loss of your mom!
David Corbin says
My deepest condolences to Joan’s family. The end of an era in that neighborhood. It was a real pleasure attending her 90th birthday party this summer. I really enjoyed reminiscing with her about our two families growing up next to each other. Truly, Joan is with George and Duke now. Along with Harry , Bev and Kathleen. They can start a new neighborhood for all of us to join them in heaven someday
Amy Brown says
Just heartbroken to loose Grandma Joan. I was one of the grandchildren who learned to read on her lap. Time spent at her home and at the cabin are some of my most cherished memories. So so glad I was able to see her last week and take her to the Airport Inn one last time,
Anne Corbin Heiser says
Truly an end of a remarkable era and an anchor for the neighborhood. Joan will be missed by the many people who knew and interacted with her.
My heartfelt condolences to the families.
Carolyn Rost Kimball says
My sincere condolences to all the Dunnings. I grew up in that neighborhood (still live just down the block) playing, learning, and developing lifetime memories. Your mother was an incredible treasure to hold in your hearts forever.
Jan ronning says
May your hearts be comforted by beautiful memories of her unconditional love. My deepest sympathies and prayers.
Marci Brown says
What a beautiful tribute to her! She had the kindest demeanor and smile. My deepest condolences to the entire family.
Jerry and Maria Warden says
I was very fortunate to be part of the Dunning Clan! Joan always told me I was her sixth son. She made the best apple pie you ever tasted. She will always be in our thoughts. Our hearts pour out to all the Dunning family.
Kim Wheadon says
I am so thankful to know Joan , spent alot of time there with my best friend Pat, when I would come to the house and knock on the door they knew who it was as they couldn’t see my head. She was a truly amazing woman.
Sheree & Maria Goecke says
What a beautiful tribute to an phenomenal woman. Her legacy lives on through her incredible children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Heartfelt condolences to you all.
Evalyn harding says
Condolences to you all so sorry for your loss. She was an absolute jewel, one of a kind ,we have so many memories my heart is heavy again so sorry
Nancy Ugrin Bond and David T. Bond says
Condolences to you all at the passing of your mom Joan. She was quite a lady and as the wonderful write up says, few Miles City folks did not know her, your dad and your amazing clan. Fair to say that George has welcomed her with open arms and the dancing has picked up right where they left off. God’s blessings to you all at this difficult time.
Patrick Stoltz says
My thoughts and prayers to all of the family. Your mom was so kind. Such a great family.
Lynn Howard says
I Loved both your Mom and Dad. Joan was my neighbor hood mom. Always had room at table. Spent many nights on the couch. Was never scolded. Breakfast was waiting
Jim Brown says
I remember being at the bowling alley when I was in middle school in Miles City where your mom was bowling. My friend said she has like 9 or 10 kids. I thought, “Wow, how does she have the time and energy to be bowling?!” When my brother Mark married into the Dunning family I got to know Joan a bit and I realized I didn’t know the half of it. Not only was she a virtually tireless hard-worker she managed to do it all with grace and humility. Whenever I visited she made me feel like I was special one. What a fantastic role model.
Louise de Montigny says
Jess, Leonard, and all the Dunning family~
I am so sorry for your loss of Joan. She was a remarkable mother and friend, cook and companion, educator and enthusiast and a woman of faith and good will, as you well know. I’ve enjoyed all those aspects of Joan many times through the years and am lucky to have known her. Your memorial and family photographs are a wonderful tribute to a life well lived. Thank you for sharing those.
kimmy smith says
Leonard, Jess, Brian. Rob and family –
My heartfelt sympathy for you all over the loss of your mother.
Karen Morris says
Joan was an original and it was a blessing to have known her. She was one of those very rare “always enough to share” and “always room for one more” people. I will carry with me many memories that make me smile. Perhaps my favorite was when she hung Jobie’s picture with those of her family. We would all be better people if we would be more like her! May you find comfort in your memories.
Desta Hirsch says
My heart goes out to all of her family.
Jeanne Vetch says
I am sorry to hear of the death of this wonderful lady.
Kevin A Donnelly says
Sorry to hear of your loss. Goes back about as far as I can remember Diane and Fidela always like visiting with your mom. She come to the care home and Mom’s knitting group. May God be with her and the family.
Thea says
Leonard & Mary I’m so sorry for loss of your mom. Thinking of you two.
Janice Beaudry says
I enjoyed working with Joan at Reynolds. My thoughts and prayers go out to the Dunning family. Now she can watch her beautiful cardinals every day.
Kim Lewis says
I’m so sorry to hear of her passing. My son, Kyle spent a lot of time at her house with her grandson, Josh. Many great memories made there.
KIMBERLY NEIFFER says
The Dunning Families,
Sending my thoughts and prayers your way.
I will always remember your Mom’s warm smiles and kind heart.
R.I.P. Joan
Kimberly Neuhardt Neiffer
Daniel Gray says
My condolences to the Dunnings and extended family. Joan was a very kind and generous person. She will be missed.
Diane Connors Rewerts says
Dear Dunnings,
Thinking of you with fond memories. Your mom was loving and warm to all. Loved reading her obituary and seeing the love reflected in memories.
Garth Sleight says
Leonard and Dunning family, my condolences at the passing of your mom and grandma. It’s always hard to bid adieu to a parent. I hope memories of her bring your solace and peace.
Michele Kafentzis-Hinkle says
Dear Mari, Leonard, Terry and the Dunning family,
For years I’ve enjoyed my cousin, Mari, tell me loving and funny stories about your beloved mother, Joan. I related entirely because Joan reminded me of my mother who had 13 kids. As I was reading the beautifully written tribute Nate wrote from the heart, I could see the wonderful legacy Joan passed on not only to her children, but also to her grandchildren. What joy that must give all of you! Mari also told me of her love for the Rosary so I’ve said a special Rosary just for her. I know she doesn’t need it because Joan is not just dancing with the stars, she’s dancing with all of Heaven’s Angels. I prayed a Rosary anyway. God Bless the Dunning family.
All My Love,
Michele Kafentzis-Hinkle
Lynn Harper says
Our deepest sympathy goes out to the Dunning family. Your mom was a beautiful soul.
Sending my thoughts and prayers to you all. I am sorry I could not make the funeral physically but I am there in spirit and trying to watch the live funeral. May God Bless, guide and comfort you all.
Mary Anne Hathaway says
Dear Dunning families,
I’m so sorry to just hear of your Moms passing. My prayers and thoughts are with you, I’m sure she’s happy in heaven with your Dad! I enjoyed reading her story.
With sincere sympathy,
Buddy (George) Berges says
My belated condolences to the entire Dunning family. Joan was a marvelous peron. She was like a second mother to me during my highschool years and after. Her house was a refuge from me when I needed to find one, ant at other times a joyous time of friendship with her and George, who was a mentor to me in Ham Radio, in which I am still active. After college, I moved to Calgary, AB, and so the visits came yearly intil my parents died in 1989, and after that, sadly, less often. Our last visit was during the class reunion in 2010. Joan was still the entheuastic welcoming person I shall always remember. I am sad today that she has passed on.
Jennifer Frazer says
I was a member of Margaret’s knitting group for a number of years. I loved Joan’s stories. Just today I retold the ‘two scoops for a poodle story.’ For years she worked on the knitted log cabin quilt, it was a lesson for us in persistence.
My love to the family, Jen