Obituary of William Lee Nunn

William “Bill” Lee Nunn

Horseman, Husband, Father, Friend

Bill Nunn died in his beloved carousel building after collapsing from sudden cardiac arrest. He was transported to the cardiac ICU and given the chance to recover. However, it was determined he was without brain activity, and his wishes were honored when his body was released Monday, January 22, 2024.

Bill was born May 30, 1949, at the University of Minnesota hospital where his father William Nunn Sr. was the head of public relations. His mother, Josephine Nunn, was the first female Mayor for the city of Champlin where Bill and his family resided. Bill enjoyed canoeing on Elm Creek, trapping, and raising goats, sheep, chickens, and many other animals. But it was the horse he and his sister got that led him to take English riding lessons and sparked his passion for horses and riding.

Bill attended the U of M for three years for veterinary medicine. He soon realized he wanted to hone his skills as a horseman and started his horse business with is his sister Sarah when he was 19 years of age.

Bill went on to build a legacy teaching thousands his gentle style and ease of communication with horses. Bill’s other great passion was collecting and meticulously restoring dance organs from Europe. He also took great pride in creating and sharing the music they play.

Bill is survived by his wife Stacy, son Charlie, and Stacy’s children whom he loved dearly, David Olsen and Hanna Smith (Joe), grandchildren, Giovanni, Leo and Joanna, and three sisters Rosalie (Bob) Ambrosino, Marty (Bruce) Aron, Sarah Nunn, and his half-sister Betty Kramer.

Bill’s celebration of life will be held in the Carousel building at his farm in Medina on February 3rd from 3 to 7pm. Bill would be happy to know donations made in his memory went to the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) of which his father was a co-founder or Cafesjian’s Carousel where he volunteered as Vice President of the Board of Directors.