Dorothy M. Wichlep

Dorothy Mae (Dottie) Wichlep, age 87, died September 21, 2010. She was born March 6, 1923 in Galveston to Charles and Italia Regini. She was preceded in death by her son Christopher. She is survived by her childhood sweetheart and loving husband of sixty-five years, Colonel (US Army Retired) Bernard J. (Bernie) Wichlep; children Debbie, Linda, Barbie and husband Fremont B. Hodson; brother Charles Regini and wife Carolyn; four grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren.

After her graduation from Incarnate Word College and Bernie’s graduation from the United States Military Academy, she began a 30-year career as an Army Wife and Mother including: three overseas assignments when dependents were allowed, and remaining home “stateside” taking care of children during four “hardship” tours. Dottie was an active member in military parishes, overseas and US, as well as diocesan parishes in US, teaching CCD and assuming leadership roles in parish ministries and Church organizations. While at Fort Hood, Texas she was named “Catholic Woman of the Year.”

Here in San Antonio Dottie was prominently involved at St. John Neumann Catholic Church and for 20 years was a Counselor with Birthright. In 2001 she was invested as a Lady of the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem. Dottie touched the lives of many others through her deep spiritual devotion, her unwavering fidelity, her sincere friendliness, her personal example, her genuine concern for others, and her undying love for Bernie and her family.

Visitation will begin at 5:00 pm with a rosary at 6:30 pm on Sunday, September 26, at St. John Neumann Catholic Church, 6680 Crestway Dr. Mass of Christian burial at 10:30 am on Monday, September 27, also at the church, Rev. Father Anthony Cummins, celebrant. Interment will follow at Sunset Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, please offer Masses or contribute to the St. Vincent de Paul Fund, St. John Neumann Catholic Church.