Steven Robert Dunn

Steve R. Dunn -- a carpenter, winery owner, world traveler and an Independence resident since 1971 -- passed away April 4, 2026, at his Independence home. His family and friends are inviting all who knew and loved him to a celebration of life at the former Redgate Winery, now Elysium Botanicals, 8175 Buena Vista Road, Independence. The celebration is from Noon to 4 p.m. Saturday, April 25.

Born in Portland, he was raised with his younger brothers and sisters in the Willamette Valley, attending Mount Angel Boys Preparatory, then graduating from Silverton High School in 1967.

Steve's mother Margaret Bernice Hill, father Alva Ernest Dunn and brother Jim Dunn preceded him in death, as did his wife, Charlene Irving-Engblom, who died in 2022.

Surviving family includes his son Chris Dunn and his partner Amanda, of Portland, and brothers and sisters Peggy Prather, David Dunn, Kathy Chambers, Jodie Fleck, Linda Tinsley, Jon Dunn, Michael Teisl, and many nieces and nephews.

He attended Salem Technical School and Oregon College of Education (now Western Oregon University).

He was married to Andrea Case for two years beginning in 1971.

He married Barbara Schroeder in 1973. Their son, Chris, was born in 1975.

Steve earned his contractor's license in 1977 and worked as a builder for 10 years in Alaska, Washington and Oregon before joining the union in 1987. He retired from construction work in 2007. Even after retiring and founding a winery, he referred to himself as a carpenter. He was a member of the Carpenters Local #1065.

He married Charlene in 1996. The next year, the couple bought the vineyard property that would become Redgate Winery, built a house there in 1998, and planted grapes in 2006. Steve sold grapes the first year then began making wine and building the winery over the next two years, which he operated until 2025. He sold Redgate to Elysium Botanical Wines and Vineyard.

The winery was one of the mid-Willamette Valley's premier locations for local live music. The new owners continue the tradition.

Steve was an avid traveler throughout his life, backpacking with friends around the world in his younger years, and in tours in his later years. Since 2022 he had traveled to Italy, Greece and Spain. In November of 2025, he took a 6-week tour including Portugal, Morocco, Germany, and a return to Spain.

He was a magnet for friends wherever he went, entertaining them with stories of his adventures. He will be long remembered for his kindness and generosity.