Roger E. Dunn

Roger E. Dunn, 89 of Clarkdale, Arizona passed away at his home surrounded by his four children on January 11, 2026. He was born in Tremont, Illinois to Robert and Nora Dean Dunn on April 10, 1936. His mother passed unexpectedly when he was just 16 months old. His father later married Sarah Conrad when Roger was four years old and she raised him as her second son. He married Rita Koepke on June 18, 1982.

Roger was preceded in death by his mother, father, stepmother, son-in-law Terry Bridges and his wonderful wife of 43 years, Rita, who passed away three days prior to Roger.

Roger graduated from Timber Township High School in Glasford, Illinois in 1954. A star on his high school basketball team, he earned a full scholarship to Bradley University in Peoria, Illinois, where his team won the NIT Championship in 1957. He graduated in 1958. He began his teaching career at Georgetown Junior High School in North Pekin, Illinois. He moved on to East Peoria Community High School in East Peoria, Illinois where he met and fell in love with his wife, Rita. Later, he taught at Illinois Central College in East Peoria, Illinois, until he retired in 1994. After retiring, he and his wife owned homes in both Montana and Arizona, eventually settling in Arizona. Together they enjoyed traveling, camping, hiking, painting and reading. He also enjoyed golfing and playing his violin and harmonica.

Roger is survived by his children: Valerie (Robbie) Musgrave of IL, Denise Dunn of IL, Chris (Eric Yen) Dunn of CA and Amy Koepke of IL as well as 5 grandchildren, 2 step-grandchildren, 8 great-grandchildren and 4 great-great-grandchildren. Roger is also survived by his brother, Russell (Bobbie) Conrad of FL and many cousins, nieces and nephews.

In accordance with their wishes, cremation has been accorded.

Services will be held at the Spirit of Joy Lutheran Church, 320 Scenic Dr., Clarkdale, AZ on February 14, 2026, at 10:30 AM. Pastor Braaten will officiate.

Memorials may be made to Spirit of Joy Lutheran Church or Northern Arizona Hospice.

The family wishes to express their gratitude to Russ and Judy Haslow for everything they did for Roger and Rita during their illness, to Northern Arizona Hospice, to Roger and Rita’s caregivers and to Ortencia Herrera for her compassion, love and the organization of her exceptional team of caregivers.

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