Obituary of Russell John Dettmer

Russell passed away peacefully on Sunday August 20th, 2023 from complications after a fall at his home in Portland, Oregon.

 

Russell was born in West Branch, MI in 1961, to Roy and Nelda (Walther) Dettmer.  The family moved from their farm to Essexville, MI in 1967. Russell graduated from Garber High School in 1980.

 

Russell lived for a time in Wisconsin and eventually moved to Oregon to be with his Oregon family in 2001.  Russell held several different jobs but his favorite was with the West Linn Wilsonville School District as a custodian. He was much loved for his kindness to others and his ethics for hard work.

 

Russell was preceded in death by his father Roy Dettmer and mother Nelda (Walther) Dettmer.

Russell is survived by his siblings:

Barbara Austin (Robert - Deceased), Daniel Dettmer (Patricia), Angie Hammond (Michael), Lisa Hewitt (Edward), Michael Dettmer (Tawnya)

 

Nephews and Nieces:

Adam, April, Steven, Sarah, James, Jared, Daniel, Martin and Ryan Austin

Matthew Hammond (Julian), Nick Hammond (Sara), Jason Hewitt and Gabe Dettmer

Great Niece Brigid Hammond and Great Nephew Henry Hammond

and many beloved first cousins.

 

Russell was a die-hard Michigan sports fan. The Lions, Red Wings, Tigers, Pistons and the University of Michigan.  He was also known to root for Michigan State as long as they weren’t playing University of Michigan (sorry Mike)..hahaha.  He never missed a Detroit Lions game and was always convinced that this was the year they would be in the Superbowl.  He knew every team stat on all the players. Russ was never seen in public without one of these teams sports gear on.

 

Russell was proud of his skills at building the best campfires for all to enjoy.  Russ was an avid card player. His favorites being Euchre, Cribbage, Hearts and a night of poker at his Mom’s kitchen table with friends and family. Russ enjoyed fishing on the Saginaw River, the Dredge Cuts and at his Dad’s cabin in Oscoda. 

 

Russell enjoyed the Bay City, MI 4th of July fireworks often making it a point to be back home even when he lived outside of Michigan. Music was a big joy in Russells life.  He loved to attend concerts and he often played his music at a “high” volume to get the “feel” of the music while playing his air guitar and keyboard. 

 

Russ’s love of family was unmatched.  He never missed a family get together and a chance to celebrate with them at every occasion. He always made us laugh with his stories that he embellished a little and forgot a lot. He will be greatly missed by all. 

 

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