Memorial

Willis John Dettmann passed away August 4, 2024. A memorial service will be held at 1:00 p.m., Thursday, August 8, at Cedar Memorial Park Chapel of Memories. A livestream of the memorial service may be accessed on the funeral home website under the obituary for Willis, under the video tab starting at 1:00 p.m.

Willis was born January 21, 1937, in Judson, North Dakota. He attended North Dakota State University before serving in the U.S. Army. He was stationed in Hawaii before Hawaii became a state. After his military service, he attended State School of Science in North Dakota. Collins Radio recruited him as he graduated. He retired from Rockwell Collins in 1994. 

Willis was a devoted husband and dad. He is survived by wife, Karon; son, James (Kelly) Dettmann; daughters, Deborah Dettmann and Sandra (David) Aird; sister, Darlene Lapthorn; sisters in law, Linda Dettmann and Norma Dettmann. His favorite times were with his grandchildren, Breanna, Amanda, Jack, Ethan and Ember. He was preceded in death by his parents, Edwin and Evalena Dettmann and brothers, Dale, Sheldon and Darrell. 

He enjoyed playing cards, fishing, hunting and traveling. Willis and Karon traveled all of the United States and other countries. Willis loved nature and country living. After enjoying retirement life in their Hiawatha home, they moved to Cottage Grove Place in 2019. He was looking forward to traveling to Washington D.C. on the Honor Flight in September 2024.

In lieu of flowers, consider a gift to Cottage Grove Place Foundation.