
Dr. Edward F. Dettmers
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Dr. Edward F. Dettmers, 84 of Johnson Creek, passed away on Thursday, December 19, 2024, at UW-Hospital in Madison.
Ed "Doc" Dettmers was born on February 10, 1940, in Watertown, WI, the son of George and Elsie (Dobratz) Dettmers of Helenville. He graduated from Jefferson High in 1957, UW-Whitewater (B.S. Education), U. of Arkansas (M.A. Mathematics), and U. of Minnesota (D.V.M) and served in the Air Force/Air Force Reserve.
Ed taught mathematics in Wausau and St. Paul, but Doc's passion was as a veterinarian at the Jefferson Veterinary Clinic for 33 years. While dairy herds were his focus, Doc enjoyed helping FFA kids and new farmers, caring for horses, treating elk herds and serving as adjunct faculty to the UW vet school. On his own farm, Doc and his kids raised cattle, chickens, rabbits and thousands of pheasants.
On September 3, 1966, he married Georgia in Stevens Point, WI, the love of his life for the next 58 years. His joyful family life included three children, seven grandchildren and more dogs than we can count. He passed his love of hunting, fishing, dogs, other animals, the outdoors and even curling to his children. This passion continues in his grandchildren, as they pursue math intensive and veterinary educations.
Ed's faith was instilled at St. Peter's in Helenville and strengthened throughout his life at St. John's Lutheran in Jefferson. At St. John's, he served on the school board, board of elders and other positions. In the community, he was active in Agri-business, the WI Vet. Assoc., and volunteered at Rainbow Hospice. He traveled to 6 of the 7 continents, to hunt/fish and tour with Georgia. With his friends, he played cards and never missed the chance for a fish fry and old fashioned.
Ed is survived by: his wife Georgia Dettmers of Johnson Creek; children Daniel (Lavonne) Dettmers of McFarland, Doug (Sarah) Dettmers of Menomonee Falls, and Dana (Aaron) Swift of Boise, ID; and 7 grandchildren Isabella, Chloe, Guinevere, Maxwell, Mason, Tori and Kyla and his sister Donna (Monte) Smith of Roseville, MN. He is also survived by a number of other relatives, friends and the Jefferson County farming community he served.
He is preceded in death by his parents and brother Ronald Dettmers.
A funeral service will be held at 5:00 PM on Sunday, December 29, 2024, at St. John's Lutheran Church in Jefferson with Rev. Peter Kesting presiding. Visitation will be on Sunday from 3:00 PM until the time of service at the church. He will be laid to rest at 10:00 AM on Monday, December 30, 2024, at Christberg Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers or other gifts, the family asks that donations be made to the St. John's Lutheran Forward in Faith campaign to remodel their Christian school or any other local charity in honor of Ed's love of the Jefferson County community.
The Olsen-Gibson Funeral Home is caring for the family. To place an online condolence, please visit
www.olsen-gibson.com
