Dieter H Dettlaff

With heavy hearts and endless love, we honor the life of Dieter Dettlaff, a wonderful husband, father, father-in-law, Opa, and friend. Dieter was born in Germany, where his story began with the strong values, discipline, and warmth that shaped the man so many came to adore.

At the age of 28, he bravely crossed the ocean and moved to the United States, beginning his American dream in New Jersey, the place that would become his forever home. With his unmistakable German accent, bright smile, and unmatched work ethic, Dieter joined Prestige Mercedes-Benz and quickly became a standout. He was the only German on the team, something he wore with pride and he shined in sales through honesty, charm, and a genuine passion for helping people. His customers loved him; his colleagues admired him. He represented the true immigrant story: arriving with hope, working with integrity, and succeeding with heart.

Dieter met the love of his life, Frieda, and together they built a beautiful marriage of 59 years, filled with devotion, respect, laughter, and partnership. He lived for her caring for her, protecting her, and giving her the kind of infinite respect every woman deserves.

Only a few short years after their wedding, their greatest gift arrived in Franklin Lakes, NJ their son, Andreas, whom Dieter loved beyond measure. Being Andreas’s father was one of the greatest honors of his life. Dieter lived for his family: always giving, always protecting, always leading with values and kindness. In Franklin Lakes their family story began, and it is an honor that Dieter’s life will continue to rest in the town he loved and the place where he built the beautiful family he cherished.

Years later, Dieter stepped into a role he was truly born for: Opa. His grandchildren, Donato and Milano, brought him immeasurable joy. He taught them the same way he taught Andreas how to ride bikes, how to enjoy real German food, how to tell those unforgettable grandfather stories, how to play guitar, how to dance, how to enjoy nature, how to be brave, and how to be good boys with strong hearts.

Opa was gentle yet strong, funny yet wise, endlessly loving and impossibly sweet. His happiest days were spent simply being with his grandsons, cheering for them, guiding them, and celebrating every one of their victories.

Dieter will be remembered for his impeccable values, old-school work ethic, loyalty to family, soft heart and warm smile, and those great stories told with his unforgettable German accent.

He was the kind of man everyone admired steady, good, loving, ethical, and genuine. A pillar of his family, a joy to his friends, and a blessing to everyone who knew him. He was the rare person who was never negative, always happy, always positive, never complained, and truly meant it when he said, “I like the idea.” For him, everything was okay because he lived life with gratitude and grace.

An exceptional man, and a legacy we are forever proud to carry.

Though our hearts ache, we find peace knowing that Dieter’s love lives on in his devoted wife Frieda, his proud son Andreas, his loving daughter-in-law Karla, and his two beloved grandsons, Donato and Milano.

Opa, we will carry your lessons, your laughter, and your love with us forever.

Danke für alles.

Thank you for everything.

You will never be forgotten.

You will always be missed.

You will always be loved.