Wilma Jane Dunn

Exactly one year to the date of her beloved husband’s passing, Wilma Jane Dunn, 82, of New Philadelphia, died Saturday evening, May 12, 2012, in Union Hospital at Dover following a period of declining health.

A daughter of the late Anthony and Pauline (Banalette) Besozzi, Wilma was born October 20, 1929 at Dennison, Ohio.

Wilma graduated from Uhrichsville High School in 1947 and continued her education at the Columbus Business School.

On April 12, 1952, Wilma married her high school soulmate and Captain of the football team, Richard Albert “Al” Dunn, in the Uhrichsville Christian Church. The couple shared 59 years of marriage prior to Al’s passing.

For the first several years of their marriage, while Al was completing his education and serving in Korea with the United States Army, Wilma enjoyed working at Larson Clay, Joy Manufacturing and the Timken Company. Following the birth of her first child, Wilma decided to dedicate her life to caring for husband and children at home. She was an avid supporter of her husband’s career as an educator and coach and was proud to be the coach’s wife. Many say she was the “good woman behind the man” and was his “quiet companion”.

Wilma was a longtime member of First Christian Church at New Philadelphia. She enjoyed gardening and riding her bike. Wilma also enjoyed fishing with Al, especially at Tappan and Leesville Lake, and she was once the record holder for the largest Muskellunge caught at Leesville. She and Al also wintered at Ft. Walton Beach Florida and did so for more than 10 years.

Most of all, Wilma enjoyed being a “Nana” and always looked forward to having conversations with her grandchildren while sitting in the sun around her home or taking walks to Tuscora Park.

She will be deeply missed by her two daughters, Kathy (Tim) Rentsch of New Philadelphia and Elaine (John) Deems of Leonardtown, MD; her grandchildren, Maggie and Katie Rentsch, and Sydney, Natalie, and John “Bud” Deems.; a sister, Eileen Massie of Akron and many nieces and nephews.

The family will receive friends on Tuesday, May 15, 2012 from 10 to 11 a.m. in the First Christian Church at New Philadelphia. A funeral service celebrating Wilma’s life will follow at 11 a.m. in the church with Pastor Jim Borton officiating. Burial will follow in Evergreen Burial Park at New Philadelphia.

Contributions may be made in Wilma’s memory to the Al Dunn Memorial Scholarship Fund c/o Quaker Foundation, P.O. Box 627 New Philadelphia, OH 44663 or to First Christian Church, P.O. Box 474, New Philadelphia, OH 44663.