Richard was born in 1927 to the late Leo and Clara Dettloff. Richard married the love of his life Ruth Joann Brandenburg on July 19, 1952 and they were married for 66 years before Ruth passed away on February 13, 2019. The couple had 11 children: Pamela (John) Pratt, Randal Dettloff (deceased), Ronald (Diane) Dettloff, Jeffrey (Judy) Dettloff, Lori Silk, Michael (Kimberly) Dettloff, Sally (Michael) Donajkowski, Beverly (Paul) Gaines, Roger (Laurel) Dettloff, Kevin (Sheila) Dettloff, and Kirk (Carol) Dettloff. Dick and Ruth were later blessed with 23 grandchildren: Keri Schneider, Heather Posner, Holly Pratt, Daniel Dettloff, Nicholas Dettloff, Paula Shoup, Scott Zingery (deceased), Eric Silk, Ryan Silk, Sarah Dettloff, Emily Dettloff, David Curley, Philip Curley, Benjamin Curley, Jessica Gaines, Dylan Gaines, Carson Dettloff, Camryn Dettloff, Allison Dettloff, Collin Dettloff, Koren Partyka, Randy Iadipaolo, and Brandon Iadipaolo. The couple also had 9 great-grandchildren.
Richard graduated from De La Salle High School in Detroit in 1945. He was drafted into the US Army and very proudly served in the 2nd Armored Division, Tank Corp just after WWII in 1946-1947. He was stationed at Camp Hood, Texas where he achieved the rank of corporal as a tank commander. Richard graduated from U of D in 1952 with a degree in architecture and subsequently worked for 36 years as an architect. He enjoyed his retirement traveling with Ruth to many destinations including several trips to Hawaii, Europe, Alaska, Mexico and their beloved cruises in which they sailed the Mediterranean, the Caribbean, the Atlantic and the Pacific making memories and many friends. Ruth and Dick also enjoyed a large group of friends comprised of Dick’s high school buddies and their wives. The group was aptly nicknamed the “Hot Shots” and they met regularly for years to play cards and share a meal. Richard was a member of Our Lady of Hope Parish in St. Clair Shores where he and Ruth volunteered many hours over the years and had numerous friends.
Dick would often be found at family gatherings playing on the floor with the youngest children and bouncing the newest babies on his knee. He had a teasing nature, especially with Ruth, but their love for each other was unmistakable. Dick was recently heard retelling a story of how they met more than 66 years earlier in which he claimed that Ruth whistled at him to get his attention. Ruth immediately and abashedly said, “I did no such thing.” And then, “He tells that story all the time.” Richard loved the game of golf and reading mystery novels. He had a quiet confidence, said few words, and was so well respected by his children that when he spoke, we all listened. He will be missed deeply. May he rest in peace.
A special thank you to all the McLaren Macomb doctors, nurses and staff who provided skilled and compassionate care. Prayers are our first and most important request. Pray for those in senior living facilities and suffering from the isolation caused by the restrictions of COVID-19. If you care to give a gift in lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Disabled American Veterans or Our Lady of Hope Parish, St. Clair Shores.
The Mass of Christian Burial and celebration of life will be announced at a later date.
