Elmer Dietrich Friedrich Dettmer (1919 - 2010)

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He was the eldest son of William and Hattie (Kirchhoff) Dettmer. He was baptized on June 8, 1919, at First Lutheran (North Branch) Church by Rev. Carl Luecke. He was confirmed on May 7, 1933, at the same church by Rev. Bergstraesser. Elmer was united in marriage to Norma Jean Roos on October 12, 1944. To this union one daughter, Dee Ann, was born on December 16, 1958. Elmer and Norma Jean celebrated 60 years together. Norma Jean joined her Lord on January 14, 2005. The first year of their married life, Elmer and Norma Jean farmed 41/2 miles north of Syracuse. Moving into Syracuse in 1946, Elmer then was in the construction business for 26 years. He had a serious accident and after over a year of recuperation, he became maintenance man at the Good Samaritan Center in Syracuse until his retirement in 1982. Elmer was a people person and enjoyed making new friends and visiting. He didn't know a stranger. A member of Luther Memorial Church, he was active in church and community work. For many years he assisted in teaching Sunday School, sponsoring Jr. Lutherans, helped with Girl Scouts, and various school activities. For 25 years he served as the town Santa Claus. His homemade outdoor Christmas scene was an attraction to the community for many years. He enjoyed his years working at the nursing home, brightening the day for the residents and bringing them some happiness. In 1980, he was named as the first recipient of the Jaycee outstanding community service award. Elmer was an avid traveler, covering all 50 states while camping and later on bus tours. He always looked forward to meeting new people on these travels. After retirement he became an active volunteer at the Otoe County Museum of Memories and also a member of the Community Improvement Program. He was a former member of the Syracuse Lions Club, served 15 years on the Syracuse Volunteer Fire Department, and a short time on the Syracuse Rescue Squad. In 1989 Elmer and Norma Jean were named as the recipients of the Community Service Award. He was a member of the Syracuse Fitness Center. Elmer and Norma Jean were King and Queen of Germanfest in 1990. He was an auxiliary member of the Frank Woods Telephone Pioneers. When health limited more activities, he 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 the Good Samaritan Center in 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) and Wayne Young and grandson Barrett Young, all of Paola, Kansas; adopted family, the Jerry and Shirley Siefken families of Syracuse, Lincoln, and Omaha, Nebraska; brothers and sisters-in-law, Harvey and Myldred Dettmer, Donna Belle Dettmer, of Syracuse, and Vernon Dettmer, Avoca. He is preceded in death by a brother, Arthur; his wife, Norma Jean; and his parents.

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