K. Jean Dehnel

K. Jean Dehnel (nee English), 92, of Oberlin, died Wednesday, July 20, 2011 at Kendall of Oberlin after a short illness. Jean was born June 30, 1918 in Kinzua, PA. She spent most of her life in Vermilion and moved to Oberlin in 1999. She graduated from Vermilion High School, Allegheny College and did post graduate work at the University of Utah and Bowling Green State University. Kathryn retired from teaching English and drama from Firelands High School, but also taught at Lakewood, Salt Lake City, Utah and Vermilion. She was a member of the United Church of Christ Congregational where she was a member of, Mar-Mar Ru Circle. She was a member of Madeleine Chapter of Eastern Star and AARP. She enjoyed playing piano, swimming, biking, reading, playing bridge, and book clubs. She is survived by her daughter, Sally (William) Tatham of Celina, OH; son, John (Carole) Dehnel of West Jordon, UT; grandson, Kirk Dehnel and granddaughter, Laura Dehnel both of West Jordon, Utah. She was preceded in death by her husband, Henry Gordon Dehnel, 1967, her parents, Reverend Earl T. and Zella (nee McLaughlin) English and her brother, Robert Engllish. There will be an Eastern Star Service followed by a funeral service, Monday, July 25, 2011 at 11 a.m. at the United Church of Christ Congregational, 990 State Street, Vermilion, Ohio. The Reverend Wendell Brooker, pastor, will officiate. Burial will follow at Maple Grove Cemetery, Vermilion. The family suggests memorial contributions in lue of flowers to the United Church of Christ Congregational, Post Office Box 228, Vermilion, Ohio 44089. Mom, was always the teacher..... When Mom talked about her teaching, she spoke with pride about the English classes, drama, productions, and organizing town pageants. What she may not have realized is that she taught anyone who knew her many important lessons simply by her actions and the manner in which she chose to live her life. It is quite possible however that I , her daughter Sally, was both her best and most difficult student! Starting early, when I was about 4 or 5 years old, Mom taught me to always tell the truth and take responsibility for my actions. My fist big lesson about responsibility took place the day I decided it would be fun to paint pictures with red paint on the neighbors siding. Mom, no matter how many times I said "I didn't do it", escorted me over to the Agnie's with bucket and brush, and required me to both fess up--then clean up. Mom taught me in no uncertain terms the "Thou shalt not steal" commandment after discovering I have taken gum off the counter of a store in downtown Vermilion. She marched me back to the store with 2 cents, made me pay for the gum and admit my guilt! I was 6 or7 but that lesson has never been forgotten. Mom tried often to teach her little girl that wearing pretty frilly dresses was fun..... that was one lesson I obviously could not absorb, and she eventually stopped trying! She also attempted to teach me to spell.. bat that didn't work out very will either. After my Father, Gordon, died and as I grew into a teenager, I watched as she selflessly cared for her Mother in Law, Mae Dehnel and later her Mother, Zella English for as long as possible in her home. .She did this without complaint or concern for self. It was all about compassion and doing the right thing. Mom excelled in making plans, setting goals and priorities. She drove those points home to me once via a simple little letter while I was in college. It was during the time parents still received their college Kids grades in the mail, and mine were none to great 1st semester of my Freshman year. Her simple note read: "Dear Sally, Received your grade card. I am not sending you to that expensive private college for you to have a party, Love Mother". That is all it took..... I graduated with a 3.8 Mom loved to have fun, ride her bike, travel, play bridge, swim, and participate in church activities. She often used a quick wit to make others around her fell goo, clam those in conflict, and to get her point across. Even after old age and that evil dementia began to take its toll, she maintained that wit, and often amazed the folks at Kendal with her ability to make those around her smile and laugh. And that I think is the greatest lesson of all... no matter what comes your way, do not fear it, simply face it, with dignity, courage and a boundless sense of humor.