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BORN
1936
DIED
2025
JOHN DORMANN Obituary
Jan. 20, 1936 – Feb. 18, 2025
John Redgwick Dormann, beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, teacher, coach, and community leader, was born in El Centro, CA, on January 20, 1936, to George and Evelyn Dormann. John lived a life deeply rooted in education, service, and love.
John graduated from Central High School in 1954, where he served as ASB President and met the love of his life, Merry Lee Young, the head cheerleader. They shared a remarkable 70 years of marriage, and John often said, "She was the best choice I ever made!"
John's passion for education led him to earn degrees from Imperial Valley College (IVC) and San Diego State University, where he completed both his B.A. and Master's degrees. His thirst for knowledge further took him to graduate programs at the University of Northern Colorado in Greeley, the University of Massachusetts Amherst, and the University of Connecticut in Storrs.
He began his teaching career at Wilson Junior High from 1958 to 1960 before moving to Central Union High, where he dedicated the next 35 years of his life. He taught history, government, and psychology, shaping generations of students with his wisdom and passion. He was also honored to help many individuals gain citizenship through IVC night classes. Alongside teaching, John coached cross-country teams and girls' basketball, proudly leading the 1976 team to a CIF championship.
John was not only a distinguished educator but also a pioneering school board member, becoming one of just three teachers in California to be elected to their own district's board. He served with distinction as both clerk and president of the board. During his tenure, he played a pivotal role in opening a continuation high school, the Central administrative building, and Southwest High School, leaving a lasting legacy in the El Centro school system.
John was preceded in death by his parents, George and Evelyn Dormann, and his brother, James (Arden) Dormann. He is survived by his sister, Jane (John) Bartlett; his children, Lance (Norma) Dormann and Carrie Lee (Bruce) Steiner; his five grandchildren, Samuel (Diana) Steiner, Steven Steiner, Kendra Steiner, Matthew (Jordan) Dormann, and Jeffrey Dormann; and his great-grandson, Lucas Steiner.
Above all, John's heart belonged to his cherished wife and lifelong partner, Merry Lee. Their bond, built on mutual respect, love, and shared memories, served as the cornerstone of their life together.
John leaves behind a rich legacy of service, education, and lovea life well-lived that will be fondly remembered by all who knew him.
"A teacher affects eternity; he can never tell where his influence stops." - Henry Brooks Adams
Memorial donations may be made to Apreva Hospice or cancer research in honor of John.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for JOHN DORMANN
donal logue
March 21, 2025
God bless Coach Dorman. I'm fortunate that I was coached by him in Cross-Country at Central. Have nothing but warm memories and kind words about a really cool and gentle man.
Gloria Fortin
March 17, 2025
I am so sorry for your loss. Mr. DORMANN was a wonderful person.
Erin Craig
March 7, 2025
As my brother Terry wrote below, the Dormann family were our neighbors for a while--way back when. I think that was even before I used to play on Dormann´s softball team. So, we have known them for a very long time. More recently, I have been so thankful for the years my Class of 1963 and I have been able to spend with both John and Merry Lee at our monthly Lunch Bunch get togethers. While neither one of you was from our class, you´ve always been part of our CUHS family and we loved having you join us! My sincere condolences to you, Merry Lee and your family. Love, Erin Craig
Terry Craig
March 6, 2025
MR. Dormann was my history teacher at central. But also my back door neighbor. He always has had my utmost respect. Thanks to his family for sharing him with me. Terry Craig
Paula Criman
March 3, 2025
Mr. Dorman was one of my favorite teachers at CUHS. He was also a friend of my parents, and had known my mom when they were young. He shared several stories of her, stories she had never told us!
Just a few years ago he called just before Christmas, totally out of the blue. My brothers and I happened to be together. We had a wonderful conversation! A conversation I will always cherish!
I´m sad that in this world we will no longer have him with us. But I know there is a merry reunion on the other side with family and friends!
My deepest condolences to all who knew and loved him.
Marlene Swanegan (Molly Lavender)
March 3, 2025
Dear Mrs. Dormann and family my heart is saddened to hear the sad news of Mr.Dormann´s passing. Your family has and will always be truly special to the Lavender family. I had been thinking of you both actually on the same day of his passing not knowing that he had passed away on that day. I had planned on emailing him because I had some news to share with him.
Mrs. Dormann , thank you for always being there when I reached out to you both sharing the good and sad news about our family. Coming down to the valley to celebrate my dad´s surprise birthday party, that meant the world to him. I thank you for being there when my mom and dad passed away you both were right there! I send my sincere condolences to you, Carrie Lee, Lance and your entire family. Mr. Dormann was an incredible man. May the Lord bless your family through this difficult time . Love from the children of late Floyd & Odessa Lavender family
David Ginther
March 1, 2025
Merry Lee, you and John were together 70 years. Wow! What a legacy. RIP John.
JACINTO Jay JIMENEZ
February 28, 2025
My condolences to the Dormann Family. May Faith assuage the sorrow of John's passing. May the sweet memories of a Lifetime endure in your hearts until you as a Family hug in eternal Realms. He was my 7th & 8th Teacher at Wilson Jr High;
58-59 & 59-60. He was a gentle caring human being. i attempted to follow in His footsteps on the CHUSD Board of Trustees ,when stepped down after
his years of service. He set a a high standard of excellence. It was a pleasure to have known him
Jim Ashley
February 28, 2025
John Dorman was a great inspiration to my life. A great teacher and a man that cared about others. Spent some great summers at Live Oak Springs campground with him and his family. A great example of a real man. Carrie Lee , I´m sorry for your loss. Jim
Nancy Ferrell
February 27, 2025
My deepest condolences
To the Dormann family
Al Dempsey
February 27, 2025
I was fortunate enough to have known John as a coleague and as a friend. All those student comments tell you everything you need to know of John.A wonderful man. Gone but never forgotten!
María Yvonne Gallardo
February 27, 2025
Mr. Dorman was an amazing teacher. I had the pleasure of being in his government class. His passion and dedication were his trademark. CUHS class of 1982.
Brian McNeece
February 27, 2025
We were all so lucky that John Dormann decided to become a teacher and a lifelong advocate of education. He was a special part of my high school experience and a friend afterwards. CUHS 1970.
Stephanie Myers McKinney
February 27, 2025
Absolutely fantastic teacher. He was one of my favorites. Sorry for your loss. Stephanie M Class of 1990
Former Student
February 27, 2025
Mr. Dormann was my psychology teacher at Central and one of a handful of teachers that made an impact in my life. He not only was a great teacher, but also a teacher who was compassionate, caring, and motivating. I have shared stories often of Mr. Dormann when the subject of "teachers" or "important people" come up in conversations throughout my life. Thank you Mr. Dormann for helping me realize I was capable of so much more. May you rest in peace and condolences to your family.
Jodie Faulhaber Hansen
February 26, 2025
So many share in your family's loss. He was a "favorite" for all of us. So happy to have seen you both last year in El Centro at our hotel..I had not seen him since high school and always hoped to see him once more...love to you Merry Lee and family...Always remembered....
Esmeralda Sandoval
February 26, 2025
I am so sorry to hear the passing of Mr. Dormann, my beloved basketball and track coach. My family was very blessed to come to live in El Centro and attend CUHS. Mr. Dormann was our basketball and track and field coach and he would take us to our house all the way to Meadows after every game and track competition. He was such a caring and compassionate person. Later on we became colleagues when I became a teacher there. My whole Sandoval family want to send our deepest condolences to Mrs. Dormann and the whole family may he Rest In Peace.
Wally and Annette Havens
February 26, 2025
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived. Our condolences to Merry Lee and family. John was such a wonderful man and an inspiration to those that had the privilege of knowing him. He will surly be missed.
James Patterson
February 26, 2025
My condolences to the Dorman family. I enjoyed going to his class. He was a good teacher and a fantastic person. I really enjoyed speaking with him at our 50th class reunion. I am sending prayers for his family and hugs to Carrie. May he RIP. Love Jim and Patsy Patterson.
Maxine Castillo
February 26, 2025
Mr. Dormann is very special to our family. When I was 16, my brother was born with Downs Syndrome. He gave me an extension on my final paper so I could learn about the Syndrome. I would fall asleep in class sometimes due to issues at home and he was always kind. John Dormann impacted my family through his compassion and empathy. I have tried to emulate his good nature. My deepest condolences to his family and friends. We are all lucky to have known him.
Robert Mordah
February 26, 2025
Mr. Dorman was one of a few teachers I could connect with, had my deepest respect, great teacher. My condolences to the family, RIP Mr. Dorman!
Mary Tobin Pridgeon
February 26, 2025
Condolences to his family, may he rest in peace. He was my history teacher. He told us if we had an allergy headache we should rub a spot in our forehead just above our eyebrow. The air pollution, in the Valley, concerned him in 1961.
Chuck Cobleigh
February 25, 2025
Oh, my. Class of 65 was honored by his coming to our 50th reunion and sharing many memories. Already I see names I recognize in the postings, not surprising as Mr. Dormann was a major influence for so many of us. We were very lucky to have many teachers with outstanding character and concern for students, and Mr. Dormann was so special in that category.
To his family, remember always that he was important to uncounted students and will be remembered always for his caring approach to students and teaching.
Linda Carlisle Smith
February 25, 2025
Mr Dorman was a special teacher in Jr High and High School my very favorite teacher. I talked of him often when my kids ask me questions of my school years. He helped me so much in History and got me through tough days with his kindness. My parents lived not too far from them and on occasion I would see him outside when walking with my mom and he was always so nice and ask about the family. He went to school with my brother
He was a great person
My deepest condolences to his wife and family
Gracie Lopez
February 25, 2025
One great teacher..Our condolences and prayers to his family RIP Mr Dormann. From a student.
Gracie Lopez. (Student)
February 25, 2025
One great teacher.. Our condolences and prayers to his family. May you RIP Mr Dormann.
John Holbrook
February 25, 2025
Our sincere condolences to the Dormann family. John and Merry Lee were wonderful next-door neighbors for many years, and we enjoyed witnessing Carrie Lee and Lance grow up. I remember helping John place campaign signs around town when he ran for School Board. Once elected, he did much to improve the quality of education in the CUHS district. He was a master teacher, coach and sports broadcaster. Our current educational system needs more people like John.
Lupita Valenzuela Pinnell
February 25, 2025
Respectfully, I will always remember him as Mr. Dormann. One of my favorite high school teachers. In recent years, I saw him again at some CUHS Lunch Bunch gatherings in San Diego. My husband and Mr Dormann were neighbors when my husband lived on Hamilton Ave as a little boy. They enjoyed some time at these lunches sharing stories about those days. May he Rest Peace with our Dear Lord in Heaven.
Julie Popejoy
February 25, 2025
Such a great teacher and a wonderful man. He taught so many of us so much more than the subject he was teaching. May God bless his family with comfort and peace.
Christy Billings
February 25, 2025
We had some great adventures as he coached our cross country team. My condolences to his family. Thank you for sharing your father with us.
Betsy Yates Riehle
February 25, 2025
I first met John when I was a student at Central Union High. Who didn't like Mr. Dormann? He was entertaining, knowledgeable, and most of all "cool".
But I became better acquainted with John when my own children were in High School. This was the time he was elected to be a CUHS board member as wrll as continuing to teach. In conflicts parents had with curriculum during this time John was the voice of reason. He gave support to parents as a board member and to his colleagues he found solutions that supported good teachers and professional teaching methods. He didn't play favorites and had no hesitancy in challenging teachers or parents who were out of line. May his family find solace in the respect and admiration he had in our community.
Sharon Jester Murray
February 25, 2025
Prayers and comfort for all the Dorman family.
He was a great teacher and care about each and every student in all classes he taught.
Michael Ferrell
February 25, 2025
My sincerest condolences to the Dormann family. An outstanding high school teacher, always positive, very kind, and consistently knowledgeable about current events.
Jeanne Jungers
February 25, 2025
I´m so sorry for your loss. John was a great guy!
Susan Tepper McKenzie
February 25, 2025
Mr. Dormann was a mentor, a role model, and a friend. I cannot think of my school years without thoughts of him! I am deeply saddened by his passing. My sincerest love, Texas. My sincerest condolences to Mrs. Dorman, their children, and grandchildren.
Hice Jr. Stiles
February 25, 2025
Very sorry to hear this sad news. John, first a classmate and friend of my 3 brothers, then a teacher and later in life a friend of mine. John had such an engaging way about himself, anyways most interested in what others might have to say. He was a great guy who will truly be missed.
My condolences to the family.
Student
February 25, 2025
Deepest sympathy to the entire Dormann Family
Along with my entire classmates we all enjoyed his classes
Sincere condolences
Lucia Jacobelli Murphy
February 25, 2025
"Mr. Dormann was my history teacher. His teaching ability was so good, I actually thought I might want to become a teacher.
His interest in his students was genuine, which has been validated by his attending most of our class reunions. He has been an inspiration and will be remembered by many as how we should all aspire to be. I'm grateful for his presence in my life.
Terrya Rez (former student)
February 25, 2025
Prayers for the family.
A favorite teacher of mine.! One of the best!
Kathleen Casas
February 25, 2025
I am so saddened by this news and extend my deepest condolences to Merry Lee and family. John was an amazing teacher and friend to many. Rest in peace John - I´m so sorry I wasn´t able to visit you and Merry Lee after seeing you last April at Danny´s birthday party.
Linda Lansing
February 25, 2025
Oh we are so sorry to hear this. Sending our prayers and our love to his wonderful wife and family. We have so many great memories from his Alaska visits and of course at CUHS. RIP John, your one of the good ones!
Nancy Shimamoto
February 25, 2025
We will forever remember John, a kind and loyal friend to our family. We loved that he and Merry Lee attended our family reunion every year. Our deepest sympathy goes out to Merry Lee and their entire family. John will be deeply missed. Dan Collins & Nancy Shimamoto
Former Student CUHS
February 25, 2025
Mr. Dormann, may you rest in peace. Amen
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