Dorothy Elaine Van Cleave June 16, 1933 – March 1, 2026

Dorothy “Nana” Van Cleave passed away March 1, 2026 in Cheyenne, Wyoming. She was born on June 16, 1933 in North Platte, NE to Ernest and Fern Hackler. She grew up on small farms with her sister Louise and two brothers, Earnest “Joe” and Bernard “Bernie” in and around North Platte, NE. Dorothy graduated from St. Pat’s Catholic school. She found her forever job at Northwest Bell Phone Company in 1953 where she was an operator until she retired in 1983.

In 1981 Dorothy married the love of her life, Stan Van Cleave. They enjoyed doing crafting projects together, spending time with family and she was able to accompany him during his time as an over-the-road truck driver. Upon retirement they bought an RV and traveled around the U.S. She was so excited to expand her family upon marrying Stan, to be step-mom to Kathy Graves, Ann Barbee, Brenda Wennekamp and Vick Van Cleave and Grandma to Tim and RJ Graves and Nicki Brown.

Dorothy was a proud sister to Louise (Earl) Broeder, Joe (Sue) Hackler and Bernie (Judy) Hackler. She loved to share stories about her siblings when they were little and all the mischief her brothers liked to get into. She talked often about all the adventures on the different farms and all the hard work that had to be done.

Dorothy was “Nana” to 6 nieces; Catherine Ludlow, Teresa (Terrell) Steuben, Elisa White, Trisha (Sean) King, Josena (Brian) Hackler, and Angela (Kevin) Lebeda and 7 nephews; Stephen (Jackie) Broeder, David Broeder, Timothy (Sheri) Broeder, Donald Broeder, Thomas (Becky) Broeder, Daniel (Tamara) Broeder, Jerome (Karen) Broeder and multiple great nieces and nephews. She enjoyed sleep-overs, making the best bubble baths in her big claw-foot tub, providing the best snacks, and snuggles with her little dog Scotty.

Dorothy loved Mickey Mouse, the U.S. flag, making crafts out of beads and plastic canvas, and most of all spending time with her family. She cherished photos of family and hung them proudly on her wall.

Dorothy has been welcomed into heaven by her parents, Ernest and Fern, husband Stan, sister Louise, brother-in-law Earl, brother Bernie, sister-in-law Sue, nephew David, niece Jackie, and step-daughters Kathy and Ann.

A celebration of life will be scheduled at a later time.