(Paula Hamilton) On Saturday, 23 February 2008 Dorothy Mangel (Dot) widow of Ray O. Mangel (Past I.B.M. International President 1979-1980), 75, passed away. She held I.B.M. number 39654 , she was a member of the Order of Merlin and a member of Ring 10 (the Gene Keeney Ring of Indianapolis, Indiana). Dorothy had lived in Indianapolis for 25 years and along with Ray, they were very active in Ring 10. In 1980, after Dorothy and Ray retired they lived part time in Florida for 20 years, but most of the time they traveled in their motor home visiting their friends, other I.B.M. Rings and attended conventions. At the time of her passing, she was living at the Indiana Masonic Home in Franklin. (more...) 

Dorothy was born and raised in Vernon, Indiana, she moved in 1955 to Indianapolis where she met and married Ray. Before meeting Ray, Dorothy knew nothing about magic, but she soon became the witty assistant in Rayʼs magic show. Her role as Rayʼs assistant included inventory (making sure he had all his props), field agent (making sure the kids in the front row would be good), and most importantly she was cargo master (she ironed and packed every piece of silk that Ray used in his show). Dorothy performed magic with Ray for 45 years and together they became known as Dakota Dan and Ann.

Dorothy considered it a honor when she met the magicians from around the world, and she was so intrigued with all of their talents. It is no wonder, she made so many friends. Everyone could always count on a good joke or two and always count on a smile. When Ray was International President, Dorothy elegantly filled her role as First Lady. She took her role seriously and became an ambassador of good will to all she met along the way. Dorothy and Ray never missed a Annual I.B.M. convention until Rayʼs death in 2001.

Her magical travels took her to all of the 50 states of United States, every Province in Canada, and all over Mexico to include the Yucatan Peninsula. Her long time dream of traveling around the world had came true, when she and Ray visited the I.B.M. rings around the world.

Anyone who checked in at the Annual I.B.M. Conventions at the Reception Desk would remember Dorothy. She was the cheerful lady who always had a smile on her face. Dorothy worked the reception desk for over 25 years until she retired in 2003 after she became ill with Alzheimerʼs

Dorothy worked for the Indianapolis School System at North West High School. She was an exceptional seamstress and she won several awards playing Shuffle Board. Dorothy was the beloved Mother of two children (Paula Hamilton and Mark Mangel), and cheerful Grandmother of three grandchildren (Susan, Jennifer, and Victoria).

Dorothy may have been small in stature, but big in heart. She will forever be remembered by her magician friends for her great sense of humor and positive outlook on life. Her family will miss her love and inspiration. Now, Dorothy and Ray are again joined together in Heaven. A memorial service will be held for Dorothy at the at the Kresge Chapel in Franklin, Indiana, May 3rd.