Dettmann, Melvyn J.

Melvyn J. Dettmann, 86, of 4401 Whitepine Dr. NE, Cedar Rapids, died Monday, Dec. 26, 2011, at his home after a long illness. Memorial services at 1 p.m. Friday at the Cedar Memorial Park Chapel of Memories where there also will be Masonic and military rites. Inurnment at Cedar Memorial Park Cemetery. Friends may call at the Cedar Memorial Park Funeral Home from 5 to 7 p.m. Thursday.

Survivors include his wife, Shirley a resident at the Winslow House in Marion; four granddaughters, Melissa (Mark) Janowiec of Zimmerman, Minn., Michelle Loveland, Jennifer (Tim) McCormick and Kari (Jay) Kenney; and a son-in-law, Bill Kenney all of Colorado Springs, Colo.

He is also survived by many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by a daughter, Kristin Kenney

Melvyn was born on Oct. 12, 1925, in Lowden, the son of Emil and Margaretha Lunow Dettmann. He married Shirley A. Mead on Oct. 12, 1948, in Cedar Rapids. Melvyn was a sheet metal worker at Climate Engineers Inc, for over 40 years, retiring in 1988.

Melvyn was an avid golfer and enjoyed fishing and hunting with his brother-in-law, Dick Gravenhorst in Louisiana. He was a mason and proudly served in the Marines during World War II, where he was awarded the Silver and Bronze Stars.

Melvyn was a wonderful husband, father, grandfather and friend who will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be given to the Alzheimer's Foundation.

Please leave a message or tribute to Melvyn's family on the Web page, under Obituaries.

Published in The Gazette Dec. 28, 2011.