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Gene H. Dettmer

Gene H. Dettmer, 91, of Olathe, KS passed away on May 5, 2020.  Gene was born in Winkler (Peach Grove), KS on January 30, 1929, the son of Alfred and Lula (Haller) Dettmer.  He was a graduate of Randolf High School and received a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from Kansas State University in 1960.

 

Gene married Phyllis K. Peterson on February 19, 1950 and they just celebrated 70 years of marriage.  To this marriage was born 3 daughters which he managed to survive – four votes against one and always with a smile.

 

He used his farming background and mechanical engineering degree throughout his life in business.  He was known for his generous heart, positive attitude, great stories and infectious smiles.

 

Gene was preceded in death by his parents and his sister Marilyn Johnson. He is survived by his spouse Phyllis, by daughters Charlene Keith (Ken), Deborah Firth (Buck), Rina Shoshana Vile/Rhonda Sue (Shlomo), 8 grandchildren, brother Arlen Dettmer and sister Arlyss Hagedorn, many family and friends including foreign exchange students and foster children.

 

A celebration service will be held at a later date.

 

In these times of need, you may extend dads generosity with a helping hand to someone in need or a contribution to Crosslines.  www.cross-lines.org   or 736 Shawnee Ave, Kansas City, KS  66105
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Condolences

Ruth Shurtleff May 07, 2020

Granddaughter Jeanne’s friend ,Oakland ,California

Dearest Phyllis and Family, I am so deeply sorry for the loss of your beloved Gene. He was such a kind, welcoming man with a dynamite smile. I have such wonderful memories of going to your house to be pulled around for the annual fall hayrides. Gene will be sorely missed, but live on in those who knew him. Please let me know if there is anything that I can do to help during this (or any other) time. Much love and light to you and your family, Ruth Korsten Shurtleff

Judy Sharp May 10, 2020

Charlene's friend from school ,Overland Park ,Kansas

So sorry for you loss. I remember he also worked at Monsanto in St. Louis, like my dad. May your cherished memories sustain you.

Rita & Scott Jones May 10, 2020

Friends ,Gardner ,Kansas

Phyllis - Dad and I send many hugs and prayers to you in the loss of Gene. He was such a great guy and friend to all of us. We are also wrapping the entire family in prayers.

John & Sandy Hines May 10, 2020

Friend & neighbor ,Olathe ,Kansas

Gene was a great neighbor. We always enjoyed our visits with he and Phyllis alongside the road. Will miss his great smile!

Steve Cox May 10, 2020

friend of the family/employee ,OVERLAND PARK ,Kansas

My deepest condolences to the Dettmer family. Gene gave me an opportunity to work for him and the family early in my working career which became the foundation to become successful in my pursuits, always reminding me that hard work and honesty paid off.

Bonnie Ruwart May 11, 2020

friend ,Shawnee Mission ,Kansas

To Char and family--Sorry to hear of the death of your loved one, and keeping you in my prayers as you move through this difficult time.

Karen Jacquinot/Anita Johnson May 13, 2020

Anitas grandma was a Dettmer. ,Leawood/Prairie Village ,Kansas

My mom and family want to send our deepest sympathy to Phyllis and the Dettmer family. May God lift you up and comfort you in this time of sorrow.