Dorothy Vaughan

Dorothy “Maez” Vaughan, née Hunzelman,93, passed away peacefully and entered into eternal life with the Lord on Thursday, January 26, 2023 at The Grande at Creve Coeur. Born June 25, 1929 in St. Anthony, Iowa, Dorothy was the daughter of the late Warren and Hilda Hennies Hunzelman. She grew up on the farm, helping her older brother Donald, even milking the cows and driving the tractor. She attended college at River Forest, IL. She taught school in Bridgeman, Michigan for 4 years and another 4 years at Trinity Lutheran School in Davenport, Iowa.

 On December 28, 1951, Dorothy was united in marriage to LaVerne “Vern” Lensch at St. John’s Lutheran Church in State Center, Iowa. They were blessed with 2 children, Diane (Lensch) Von Ahn of St. Louis and Brian Lensch, Moline, Illinois.

 On April 28, 1979, she married Phil Vaughan in Bettendorf, Iowa. They moved to Naples, Florida in 1985. During their many years in Florida, they loved going on many cruises to different places. In 2012, they moved to Washington, Missouri to be closer to family. They enjoyed 35 happy years together until Phil’s passing in October 2014.

 Dorothy “Maez” loved to work and worked all her life until age 80. Over the years, she worked at U.S.Steele and sold Home Interiors in the Davenport/Bettendorf, Iowa area. In Naples, Florida, she worked at The Willough at Naples and at Allen Systems Group.

 She was a loving mom, grandma, and great grandma. She was loved by all who knew her.

 She is survived by her brother, Vernon Hunzelman of Marshalltown, Iowa; her two children, Diane (Lensch) Von Ahn and husband John and her son Brian Lensch of Moline, Illinois; one grandson, Kris Von Ahn (Charlotte); three great-grandchildren, Ava, Jack, and Henry.  Stepchildren Brad (Rebecca) Vaughan, Judi Vaughan, David (Anna Maria) Vaughan, Pat (Tom) White; step-grandchildren Kathryn, Christina, David, Jessica, Adam, Allie, Ashley; step-great grandchildren Caelen, Tristen, Cadence, Harper, Taylor.

 She was preceded in death by her parents; husbands Vern Lensch and Phil Vaughan; three siblings, Reuben Hunzelman, Donald Hunzelman, and Lucille Hunzelman.

 A private family memorial service was held on Tuesday, February 7, 2023, at Nieburg-Vitt, Miller Funeral Home in Washington, Missouri. Burial will be at a later date at St. John’s Lutheran Cemetery, State Center, Iowa.

 Memorial donations can be given to Immanuel Lutheran Church, 214 West 5th St., Washington, Missouri 63090: or to ProMedica Hospice Memorial Fund online or at 12101 Woodcrest Executive Dr., Suite 102, St. Louis, Missouri 63141.

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