Ethan Edward James Dunn

Ethan Edward James Dunn

Ethan Edward James Dunn, 33, passed away peacefully at his home in Geraldine, Montana, on Wednesday, August 26, 2026.

Ethan was born April 29, 1993, in Round Rock, Texas, the much-loved “miracle baby” of Darrell and Dana “Patti” (Slaughter) Dunn. He spent his early years in Florence, Texas before moving with his family to Geraldine in 2009. It was there, among the wide-open spaces and the people he came to love, that Ethan truly found home.

Ethan attended Geraldine school and graduated from Geraldine High School. He later attended MSU-Northern in Havre, where he studied agriculture and especially enjoyed the animal science portion of the program.

Ethan had a curious mind and a love of learning. He particularly enjoyed reading about history. This was something that might have surprised the teachers who knew him as a boy, when his dyslexia made reading a challenge and some wondered if he would ever become a reader. Ethan proved them wrong in his own quiet way, developing a genuine love for books and history.

A true cowboy at heart, Ethan was happiest outdoors. He loved riding his horse, hunting and fishing, and spending time in the places he called home. One of his memorable fishing stories came from Coal Banks Landing, where he once caught a huge sturgeon. He also spent several months working at Lost Lake Ranch, a fitting place for a man who felt most comfortable around animals, the land, and the people of his community.

Those who knew Ethan will remember his unmistakable cowboy style: his cowboy hat and, almost always, a large knife hanging from his belt. He loved knives and took great interest in them, making them as much a part of his everyday look as his hat.

Ethan often described himself as an introvert, but anyone who knew him knew that he could visit with just about anybody. He had a remarkable ability to connect with people of all ages, and his circle of friends reached across generations. He was gentle, easygoing, and genuine, and he had a way of making people feel comfortable simply by being himself.

Ethan was deeply patriotic and took great pride in serving his community. He was a Charter Member of Sons of the American Legion Squadron #102 and served as Past Squadron Commander. Helping others came naturally to him. He especially looked out for his neighbors and was the kind of person who would lend a hand without waiting to be asked.

Ethan shared a particularly special bond with his mother, Dana “Patti” Dunn. He was very close to her and fiercely protective of her. When his mother became ill, Ethan was by her side, helping care for her and supporting her through her medical treatments. Even when he needed to stay in Billings with her, he did so because she needed him, despite the fact that Ethan much preferred the quiet of home to the city. Geraldine was where his heart was, and there was nowhere Ethan was happier than in his hometown.

Ethan will be remembered not only for the things he loved—the horses, the outdoors, hunting, fishing, history, knives, and his beloved Geraldine—but for the kind of person he was: quiet but friendly, gentle but protective, independent yet always willing to help someone in need. He leaves behind many people who were fortunate to know him and who will carry his memory with them.

Ethan was preceded in death by his mother, Dana “Patti” Dunn, who passed away in 2016; his paternal grandparents; and his maternal grandfather.

He is survived by his father, Darrell W. Dunn of Geraldine; his maternal grandmother, Paula Slaughter; his uncle, James (Judy) Dunn; his aunt, Kim (Danny) Wood; numerous cousins and extended family; and the many friends whose lives he touched.

Ethan’s life was rooted in the people and places he loved. His home was Geraldine, his heart was with his family and friends, and his spirit belonged to the Montana outdoors he cherished. He will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered.

Memorial services for Ethan will be 11 a.m. Thursday, September 10, 2026, at the Geraldine Community Church. With a luncheon to follow hosted by the Painter Brothers, Son’s of American Legion Squadron #102. Memorial contributions in Ethan’s honor may be made to the Son’s of American Legion, Squadron #102 P.O. Box 282 Geraldine, Montana 59446 or to the American Diabetes Association.