Elmer D.F. Dettmer, 90, Syracuse, formerly Avoca, died Saturday, Jan. 16, 2010, at Good Samaritan Society-Syracuse. He was born May 16, 1919, near Avoca, son of William and Hattie (Kirchhoff) Dettmer. He married Norma Jean Roos Oct. 12, 1944, at Syracuse. She died Jan. 14, 2005, at Lincoln.
The first year of their married life, the Dettmers farmed four and one-half miles north of Syracuse. They moved into Syracuse in 1946. Dettmer was in the construction business 26 years. He had a serious accident, and, after more than a year of recuperation, he became maintenance man at the Syracuse Good Samaritan Center until he retired in 1982.
He was a member of Luther Memorial Church, Syracuse. He was active in church and community work. He was a people person and enjoyed making new friends and visiting. He didn’t know a stranger. He assisted in teaching Sunday school, sponsored Junior Lutherans, and helped with Girl Scouts and various school activities. For 25 years he served as the town Santa Claus. Dettmer’s homemade outdoor Christmas scene was an attraction to the community for many years. He enjoyed his years working at the nursing home, and brightened the day for the residents and brought them some happiness. In 1980, Dettmer was named the first recipient of the Jaycee Outstanding Community Service Award.
Dettmer was an avid traveler. He visited every state while camping and later on bus tours. He always looked forward to meeting new people on these travels. After he retired, he became an active volunteer at the Otoe County Museum of Memories and a member of the Syracuse Community Improvement Program Committee. He was a former member of th Syracuse Lions Club, served 15 years on the Syracuse Volunteer Fire Department and served a short time on the Syracuse Rescue Squad.
In 1989, the Dettmers were named recipients of the Community Service Award. He was a member of the Syracuse Fitness Center. The Dettmers were king and queen of Syracuse Germanfest in 1990. He was an auxiliary member of the Frank Woods Telephone Pioneers.
When health limited more activities, Dettmer enjoyed sitting in his outdoor swing watching the traffic on Highway 50, looking at the countryside and helping with household chores. Since mid-2005, he enjoyed his residency at Good Samaritan Society-Syracuse. He found great joy in singing, playing the bells, attending church services, listening to music, and visiting with family and friends. His relationship deepened greatly with his daughter, Dee; son-in-law, Wayne; and grandson, Barrett.
Surviving are his daughter, Dee Ann Young and husband Wayne, Paola, Kan.; one grandchild, Barrett Young, Paola, Kan.; adopted family, the Jerry and Shirley Siefken families, Syracuse; two brothers, Harvey and wife Myldred, Syracuse, and Vernon, Avoca, and sister-in-law, DonnaBelle, Syracuse.
Besides his wife, Dettmer was preceded by his parents and a brother, Arthur.
The service was Tuesday, Jan. 19, at Luther Memorial Lutheran Church, Syracuse. Pastor Paul Coen and Father Michael Stec officiated. Interment was at Park Hill Cemetery.
Pallbearers were: Andy and Aaron Siefken; Tom Meyer; Dave, Bill, Steve and John Dettmer and Gary Kreifels.
LuRae Hallstrom played the keyboard. Jenny Meyer and Sharon Carman sang. There was congregational singing.
Memorials are suggested to the family’s choice.
Condolences may be sent to: www.fusselmanwymore.com.
Fusselman-Wymore Funeral Home, Syracuse, was in charge of arrangements.
