Dorothy M Van Dunk

Dorothy May Steele Van Dunk went to be with the Lord, June 17, 2025. Dorothy was born May 2, 1930 in Iowa Park, Texas though the family lived in Wichita Falls, Texas. She was preceded in death by her husband, Merlin John Van Dunk, daughter Triss Eileen Irsik, mother Emma Maier Steele, father Joseph F Steele. She is survived by her son Kris Van Dunk and wife Kim, granddaughters, Kati Bailey husband Rex, Kaylyn Hunze husband Wil, great-grandchildren Steele and Jemma Bailey, Andrew and Hallie Hinze, sister, Mary Stewart, nephew Todd Finkler wife Karen, niece Janet Bahr husband Dave, many cousins and nephews.

Dorothy went to Austin Elementary School, Reagan Junior High and graduated from Wichita Falls Old High School.

Dorothy and Merlin "Van" met while he was in basic training at Sheppard Air Force Base and came to her church, Evangelical United Brethren, now known as Trinity United Methodist. Two years later on a TDY he returned to Sheppard as a Staff Sgt to give talks on weather as he was now stationed at Chanute AFB, Illinois teaching weather school. They were married February 8, 1949 and stationed at Chanute Field for a year. From there Dorothy was able to follow her husband to Harmon AFB Stephenville Newfoundland where their daughter was born. From Carswell AFB in Fort Worth Texas where their son was born. From Carswell to Lackland AFB Fairbanks Alaska then to Sheppard AFB in Wichita Falls. From there to Wiesbaden Germany and then to Andrews AFB in Washington DC. After 22 years and 4 months, Van retired in 1968 and they settled in Wichita Falls. Dorothy became known as the "weather mans wife" and he became known as "John Van, the weather man" on Channel 6 for 3 years and then worked for the National Service.

Dorothy was a devoted Christian who loved her Lord with all her heart. She was a devoted wife and mother, active always in church work, teaching Sunday School, active in earlier years with the Cub Scouts in Germany and Girl Scouts in Wichita Falls. From 1968-1993 belonged to the First United Methodist Church and Winsome Class Sunday School where she was at one time secretary treasurer and past president with her husband. They joined the Faith Free Will Baptist Church in 1996 and became church treasurer for 16 years.

Dorothy loved craft work, sewing and cake decorating. She was active in Wichita Falls Founders Lions Club, Texas/Oklahoma Fair and at one time belonged to the Kountry Swingers Square Dance Club.

Dorothy loved her church, pastor and church family and was ready to help when needed. Besides the Lord being the greatest in her life, her husband and family were the Loves of her Life.

A visitation for Dorothy will be held Tuesday, June 24, 2025 from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM at Hampton Vaughan Crestview Funeral Home, 1917 Archer City Hwy, Wichita Falls, TX 76302. Following the visitation will be a graveside service from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM at Bowman Cemetery, 515 Royal Rd, Wichita Falls, TX 76308.