Pamela J. Dunn

Memorials may be made to the Pamela Dunn Memorial to be designated by the family.

In Loving Memory of Pamela Joyce Dunn April 23, 1949 – August 24, 2025

Pamela Joyce Dunn, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend, passed away peacefully on August 24, 2025, at the age of 76. Born in Minden, Nebraska, on April 23, 1949, Pamela was the eldest child of Merlin and Coradell Gruwell and raised in Naponee, Nebraska.

Pam graduated high school in 1967 with the honor of being the final senior class before the Naponee School consolidated. Pam was involved in cheerleading, playing volleyball, band, vocal music, and acting in school plays. One of her fondest memories was being a cheerleader at the Nebraska State Basketball Tournament when Naponee made its historic appearance in 1967.

She continued her education at the Grand Island School of Business, earning her Associate’s Degree in Secretarial Science in 1968. Pam began her career at Duling Optical in Kearney, Nebraska, where she began dating her future husband, Michael Dunn, who was attending Kearney State College. They were united in marriage on July 12, 1969, and began their life together in Grand Island, Nebraska, where Pam worked as a secretary for the Grand Island Chamber of Commerce.

In the summer of 1969, Mike was drafted into the Army to serve in the Vietnam War. Pam relocated to Seattle, Washington, to stay with an aunt and uncle during his deployment. In January 1970, she returned to Naponee to welcome their first child, Angela. Over the years, their family grew with the births of Chad in Chadron, Nebraska, and twins Kevin and Cory in Lincoln, Nebraska.

Pam and Mike’s journey took them across Nebraska, Oklahoma, and Kansas, living in Lawton, OK; Hastings, NE; Chadron, NE; Shelton, NE; Scandia, KS; Lincoln, NE and eventually returning to Naponee, NE in 1987. Along the way, Pamela worked for a variety of employers, including the Belleville Newspaper, House of Bauer Chocolates, Ecological Analysts, Carol Wright Sales, and later at Becton-Dickinson in Holdrege. She was known for her dedication and warm spirit in every workplace.

Pam’s greatest passion was her family. She was the proud mother, mother-in-law, and grandmother of Angie and Dennis Gettys of Waverly, NE and Jaden Gettys of Omaha, NE; Chad and Carmen Dunn and Tatum and Tarynn Dunn of Corpus Christi, TX; Kevin Dunn and Barb Franco, and Josh, Allie, Caleb, Logan, Ava, and Charlie Dunn of Omaha, NE; and Cory and Melissa Dunn and Norah, Sienna, and Emilia Dunn of Gretna, NE.

She was a loving sister to Peg Haussermann (Lynn Haussermann) and Patrese O'Brien (Mike O'Brien), and held close the memory of her late sister Polly Sindt (Doug Sindt). She is also survived by sister-and brothers-in-law Linda and John Hadley, Dennis and Karan Dunn, and Pat and Everett Goebel. She leaves behind numerous nieces and nephews.

Pam was preceded in death by her parents, Merlin and Coradell Gruwell, and sister Polly Sindt.

Pam found joy in the simple and meaningful moments of life. She enjoyed singing with the congregation at the Wesleyan Church, playing piano, listening to music, playing games like Pitch, Scrabble, and the Clue Memory game with her family, keeping up on Nebraska football and volleyball, and going on walks. She delighted in baking cookies, brownies, and other treats for her children and grandchildren when they visited. She enjoyed daily devotions, word search puzzles, and staying connected with her children and grandchildren daily through phone calls, emails, and texting. She also loved traveling with her family and making memories that will last for generations.

Pam’s faith was the foundation of her life. She found comfort and strength in the promises of Scripture, especially in these verses:

John 3:16 “For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.”

Jeremiah 29:10–13 “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.”

Her home was a haven of warmth, laughter, and unconditional love. Pam’s quiet strength, generous spirit, and radiant smile made everyone feel loved. Her love lives on in every life she touched.

Funeral services for Pamela will be held Saturday, August 30, 2025, at the Naponee Weselyan Church, Pastor Scott Randall officiating, with visitation 9:30-10:30, funeral service at 11:00 a.m. followed by the burial at the Naponee Cemetary. Hutchins Funeral Home, Franklin, Nebraska.