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Dr. Dennis Wayne VanDuyne, 70, of Warsaw, passed away on Friday, Jan. 19, 2024, in his home after an extended illness surrounded by his family.
On Nov. 28, 1953, Dennis was born to Fredrick Richard VanDuyne and Dorcas June Riddle VanDuyne, in Rochester. A young Dennis attended the Brethren church summer camp in Shipshewana, later returning there as a staff member. It was here that his love for the Lord grew, as did his affection for another staff member, Ann Oxenrider, whom he married on Dec. 23, 1977, in Bryan, Ohio. Together they raised two sons.
As a 40-year career educator, Dennis projected his love for lifelong learning to his sons as a parent, in his church as a group leader, to his school students as a math teacher and technology teacher, and to his adult learners as a director of technology, all for the Warsaw Community School Corporation. Earning his doctorate degree in education, he continued to strive to improve student learning as an assistant superintendent for the Twin Lakes School Corporation, and as superintendent for the West Noble Schools. His passion for education was paramount to the respect he earned from many as an outstanding educator.
Dennis is survived by his wife of 46 years, Ann; and his sons, Adam (Kristin) VanDuyne and Alex (Emily) VanDuyne. Surviving are five brothers: Richard (Barb) VanDuyne, Ken (Sherry) VanDuyne, Michael (Cathy) VanDuyne, Tim (Tracy) VanDuyne, Kevin (Jill) VanDuyne; one sister, Linda (Troy) Gates; grandchildren: Abby VanDuyne, Eleanor VanDuyne, Samuel VanDuyne and Sophia VanDuyne; as well as numerous cousins, nieces and nephews. Preceding Dennis in death are his parents and grandparents.
You are welcome to visit with the family from 3 to 4 p.m. on Thursday, Jan. 25 at Redpath-Fruth Funeral Home, 225 Argonne Road, Warsaw. A memorial service will follow.
In lieu of flowers or donations, the family requests that you spend those funds to do something fun as a family and send a photo of the fun time to Ann, Adam or Alex.
Online condolences may be sent through the funeral home’s website at www.redpathfruthfuneralhome.com.
