William Dobben

Pastor William J. Dobben, 78, of Mansfield, died Friday, February 11, 2011 at MedCentral Mansfield. Born January 17, 1933 in Muskegon, MI, he was the eldest of seven children born to Harold John and Rena Vander Laan Dobben. Born of Dutch heritage, Bill was a true "Hollander". His parents planted five churches in the state of Michigan. Bill received his first undergraduate degree from Lee College in Cleveland, TN and went on to receive his Masters and Doctorate from Ashland Theological Seminary. On November 2, 1955, during a tenure in New Mexico he married Bonnie Sue Keeling whom he met in college. During his early years of ministry he was dedicated to Sunday School and the Youth, on both the state and national levels. Bill served numerous Churches of God - Cleveland, TN around the United States. A pastor for 37 years, Bill pastored 8 years in Ashland and 8 years in Akron prior to serving as Associate Pastor of First Assembly of God in Mansfield. At retirement Bill became a full time counselor at Richland Hospital, Crawford County Counseling Center, and Family Life Counseling. While at Richland Hospital, he helped develop a program for the aged and continued countless pastoral hospital visits. As a man of the church and a life-long learner, Bill trained many for a higher calling. He received a Doctorate of Ministries in Marriage and Family Communication and recently published "Marriage by the Book". Until he became ill, he was engaged in further research on blended families. Hired by Dr. Roscoe Leach, Bill was instrumental in the development of Richland Pregnancy Services, and continued to serve on their Board for many years. During his free time, Bill enjoyed restoring their historic home. A voracious reader, Bill read the Scriptures completely several times each year and read the Psalms and Proverbs daily.

He is survived by his wife of 55 years, Bonnie Dobben; sons: Brian Melodie Orewiler Dobben, J. Brent Dobben, Steven Bruce Sharon Pavloff Dobben, and eight foster children; grandchildren: Breeyana Dobben Alex Reynolds, Dereck Benjamin Dobben, Keith Terrell Arruda, Stacey Francine Dre Bragg, Nicole Leanna Cory Smith, Olivia Kai Noelle Dobben, Eliya Elizabeth Shira Dobben, and Austin Caedmon O'Brian Dobben; great grandchildren: Deven, Danae, and Destiny Thomas, Elijah Arruda, Andre Bragg, Keith, Kaiden, Kaydie and Aruda; brothers: Paul Ollie Dobben and Daniel Vangie Dobben; sisters: Dorcas Dewey Miller and Rhoda John Watts; and numerous nieces and nephews. Along with his parents, he was preceded in death by his sister, Lois Dawn Morrison and brother, David James Dobben.

Friends may call Wednesday, February 16, 2011 from 4:00-8:00 p.m. at the Ontario Home of Wappner Funeral Directors, 100 S. Lexington-Springmill Rd., Ontario. Friends may also call one hour prior to the funeral services being held Thursday, February 17, 2011 at 11:00 a.m. at the First Assembly of God, 1000 McPherson St., Mansfield, conducted by Rev. Thomas Blair. Co-celebrants will be Rev. B. Paul Jones, Pastor Emeritus Parma Park Church of God in Parma; Dr. Bruce Phillippi of Journey Life Center; Rev. Terry McBeath of The Upper Room Church of God in Findlay; Rev. William Issacs, state overseer of the Churches of God – Cleveland, TN in Ohio; and Rev. John Wootten, state superintendent of the Assemblies of God in Ohio. Burial will follow in Mansfield Memorial Park. Memorial contributions may be made to Richland Pregnancy Services, 605 S. Trimble Rd., Mansfield.