John H. Dettmer, 89, a resident of Maplewood Avenue in Plymouth, passed away at 5:40 a.m. Friday, July 27, 2012 in the Catherine Kasper Life Center, Donaldson following an extended illness.
John was born in Hartington, Nebraska on October 23, 1922, the son of George and Theresa (Frigge) Dettmer. The family moved to Indiana in 1935 after which John and his siblings helped with farming on the grounds of Ancilla Domini.
In 1941, John graduated from Ft. Wayne’s Catholic Central High School and entered the Coast Guard. He served during WWII until his separation in Boston, Massachusetts on September 29th 1945. Sixty years later John returned to Boston with his entire family to celebrate their 60th Wedding Anniversary.
On August 14, 1945 in Plymouth’s St. Michael Church, John took as his bride the former Anna Marie Fox. John and Ann spent many wonderful years together raising their family of four children, experiencing life’s many pleasures especially family events, travel to nearly every state and spending many winters in the Avon Park area of Florida.
John was a dedicated employee with the McCord Corporation in Plymouth, advancing to the Engineering Department and then retiring from the Cummins Engine Company after 42 years.
As an active member of St. Michael Church, he served on its Board of Trustees, as a commentator and usher for many years. He was a past-president of the Holy Name Society and past member of the Plymouth American Legion Post 27.
John loved music and he continued to share that talent with others through the years. For many years he played guitar in a local band known as the Harmonaires and in recent times, he played the harmonica to the delight of many who resided at Catherine Kasper.
John also enjoyed woodworking, gardening and Notre Dame Football.
Surviving is his wife Ann, their four children and families which include 17 great-grandchildren. They are: Linda A. (Mrs. Bob) Lux of Granger and children; Ken Hixenbaugh, Sheri Hedrick, Brian Hixenbaugh and Michael Hixenbaugh. Jeannie M. (Mrs. Mike) Orr of Plymouth and their children; Shannon Morgan, Ryan Orr and Brendan Orr. Dr. John “Jack” (MaryLou) Dettmer of Avon, IN and children; Shawna Coffee and Dr. Matthew Eaton. Dr. David A. (Carol) Dettmer of Auburn, IN and their children; Andrew Dettmer and Allison Dettmer.
John is also survived by a brother, Fr. Alfred Dettmer of Crown Point, IN a sister, Sr. Richilde Dettmer, P.H.J.C., of Donaldson, IN and sisters-in-law, Irene (Mrs. Leonard) Dettmer of Syracuse, New York and Irene (Mrs. Clement) Dettmer of Alsip, IL along with several nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his great grandson; Brock Daniel Hedrick and brothers; Leonard, Clement, Edmund, Ted and Msgr. Aloysius Dettmer
Visitation will be held Sunday evening, July 29, 2012 from 5 – 8 p.m. in the Johnson-Danielson Funeral Home, 1100 N. Michigan St., Plymouth where a Rosary will be recited at 8 p.m. following visitation.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 a.m. on Monday, July 30th in the St. Michael Catholic Church, 613 N. Center St., Plymouth. Burial will immediately follow in the New Oakhill Cemetery with military honors provided by members of the Plymouth American Legion Post 27, Veterans of Foreign Wars – Marshall County Post 1162, Disabled American Veterans and the U.S. Army Honor Guard, South Bend.
Preferred are memorial gifts to St. Michael Church, The Center for Hospice Care, 112 S. Center St., Plymouth, IN 46563 or Juvenile Diabetes Research, 325 W. Huron, Chicago, IL 60654
Jeanie Martin says
Jeannie and family
I can\’t express how very sorry I am. I now your heart is broken. I remember seeing you at Ancilla pushing your dad outside in his wheel chair. I remember thinking what a good daughter you are. Again, I am so sorry for your loss But you will meet again.
Jeanie Martin
Sheri Orr says
Pat & I are so sorry to hear of your loss. We know that your dad will be greatly missed by you and the rest of his family. Time will help some, but it\’s the memories we carry in our heart that help bring comfort to us the most. We will keep all of you in our thoughts and prayers.
Much love, Pat & Sheri Orr
& Families
Shirley A. Gidley says
My thoughts and prayers are with each of you at this time. While we expect these things , they are not easy to endure. Anne, Jeannie, and all, may you receive the grace of acceptance and the memories of laughter and joy that is part of the wonderful life/lives that have been shared.
Mary Ann Avery says
Jack
I am so sorry to hear of your dad\’s recent passing. Know that my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this sad time.
Mary Ann
Neysa McFarland says
I want to send my condolences to John\’s family. I have known John for many years. He played with my Mom and Dad in a band many years ago. John was a nice man. He will be missed.
Sister Mary Ann says
Dear Aunt Ann and family,
Though I cannot be with you to share these moments of saddness and loss know that I have been very close to you in thougt and prayer. Uncle John was very special to me with his laughing blue eyes and gentle way. I always felt honored to have had Uncle John and you Aunt Ann as my God parents. Though the knowledge that he still lives through God may be there, the pain of his loss will pass only with time and patience. Please know of my continued prayers in these difficult days. My love to all of you. Mary Ann
Jeanie Martin says
Jeannie and family
I can\’t express how very sorry I am. I now your heart is broken. I remember seeing you at Ancilla pushing your dad outside in his wheel chair. I remember thinking what a good daughter you are. Again, I am so sorry for your loss But you will meet again.
Jeanie Martin
Sheri Orr says
Pat & I are so sorry to hear of your loss. We know that your dad will be greatly missed by you and the rest of his family. Time will help some, but it\’s the memories we carry in our heart that help bring comfort to us the most. We will keep all of you in our thoughts and prayers.
Much love, Pat & Sheri Orr
& Families
Shirley A. Gidley says
My thoughts and prayers are with each of you at this time. While we expect these things , they are not easy to endure. Anne, Jeannie, and all, may you receive the grace of acceptance and the memories of laughter and joy that is part of the wonderful life/lives that have been shared.
Mary Ann Avery says
Jack
I am so sorry to hear of your dad\’s recent passing. Know that my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this sad time.
Mary Ann
Neysa McFarland says
I want to send my condolences to John\’s family. I have known John for many years. He played with my Mom and Dad in a band many years ago. John was a nice man. He will be missed.
Sister Mary Ann says
Dear Aunt Ann and family,
Though I cannot be with you to share these moments of saddness and loss know that I have been very close to you in thougt and prayer. Uncle John was very special to me with his laughing blue eyes and gentle way. I always felt honored to have had Uncle John and you Aunt Ann as my God parents. Though the knowledge that he still lives through God may be there, the pain of his loss will pass only with time and patience. Please know of my continued prayers in these difficult days. My love to all of you. Mary Ann