Donald L. Dethmann age 85 of Iowa City, a lifelong resident of Clinton, IA, passed away Monday Jan. 23, 2023 at The Bird House Hospice of Johnson County. Funeral service will be held 11:00 AM Friday at the Pape Funeral Home, Clinton. Visitation will be held Friday 9:30 AM until the service hour at the funeral home. Burial will be held at Center Grove Cemetery. Online condolences may be left at www.papefh.com.
Donald was born on Oct. 15, 1937 in Clinton, IA the son of LeRoy and Ethel (Bruhn) Dethmann. He was a veteran of the US Army, serving from 1960-1962. He married Nancy Laing on Jan. 18, 1965 in Clinton, IA. He later married Bonnie Tripp on July 19, 1997 in Clinton, IA, she died in 2022. Donald was a farmer for over 30 years and worked at International Paper for over 10 years. He was a member of the Clinton County Historical Society and the American Legion Post #602. He enjoyed his tractors, vintage farm equipment, traveling with Bonnie, going to auctions and gun shows.
Donald is survived by his daughter, Amy Jo Crock of Tipton, IA; his son, Eric Dethmann of North Liberty, IA; Bonnie’s children and their spouses, James (Tara) Lorenzen of Clinton, IA, Thomas (Rosemary) Lorenzen of Salem, IA, and Lisa (Paul) Koser of Lanark, IL; nine grandchildren and 13 great grandchildren; his sister, Ruth Prins of Fulton, IL; and his niece and two nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and his wife, Bonnie.
Amy, Eric, and Ruth, my sincere condolences to you and all the family. We will miss cousin,
Don, and the comforting support we felt from him. We had genealogy research in common and a shared appreciation for our ancestors. It was fun and uplifting to visit with Don over the years; my sister, Judie and I, will always treasure those memories. I wrote a message previously, but
I don’t see it, so something must have gone amiss. I’m thinking of you all and hold you close in heart.
My condolences to you Amy and Eric. I still go to church at Elvira where your dad and I were on council together. We both had VW rabbits the same color and my daughter was about 2 years old and she would think he was getting into our car. He got a kick out of that. Your dad used to help out on my father in law’s farm. Btw, I am Carole Jensen’s brother. So sorry for your loss.
Allen – Thank you. Ah, yes – the VW Rabbits! I think I was even thrown off a time or two by that seeing them in the parking lot at the church! When I pass through Elvira, I still reminisce of when we went to church there, as well as the other members of the congregation. A lot has changed over the years!
Thanks again, Allen!
I am so sorry to hear of Don’s passing. We are cousins, with our Gr. Gr. Grandfather, Claus J. Dethmann (wife Anna Frahm) in common. Their daughter, Catherine Wilhelimina (Minnie) Dethmann is my paternal gr. mother. She married Adolph Thiessen and their son, Clarence, is my father. My name is Janice (Thiessen) Sampson presently living in Rosemount, MN.
My sister, Judie, and I have met with Don and shared genealogy information. We have kept in touch through the years and we will miss him. I always enjoyed visiting with Don and appreciated his friendly manner, sense of humor, and sweet spirit. My heart goes out to all the family with my deepest sympathy. Amy, our mutual cousin in Schleswig-Holstein, Hans-Detlef Carstens, has extensive family records and I’m sure he would appreciate a message from you. His e-mail address is: [email protected] Thank you so much.
We are so sorry for your loss. My father-in-law, Bill Buech, and my husband and I are on the board for the Center Grove Cemetery, so we worked with your Dad many times over the years. You have our deepest sympathy. Liz and Brent Buech
Liz – Thank you. I’ve stopped many, many times over the years at Center Grove – whether on my annual “cemetery run” through Jones, Jackson and Clinton counties; a stop when I’m through the area; or, even helping Dad the last two Memorial Day weekends that he set up flags. There was quite a system for keeping track of that, too as I remember! He considered it a duty and an honor to help care of those that passed before us. I suppose that’s where I get my…appreciation? respect?…of cemeteries. Thank you for your service to Center Grove.
I’m sorry to hear about Don’s passing. I met him about ten years ago while working on a project for the Historical Society. He was a busy guy back then for his age! He was also very friendly and had an easy going personality. I always enjoyed talking with him during the time I spent there. May the Lord give you all peace during this time of sorrow.
Thank you for sharing your memory with us, Bruce. He enjoyed local history and considered it an honor to help in preserving it. He didn’t consider himself outgoing; yet, was well known for his “gift of gab” and enjoyed conversing and learning about others and the common connections.
Again – thank you. Take care!
Amy and Eric, thank you for entrusting us with your dad’s care at the Birdhouse. Sending mine and all are condolences. This is such a nice photo of him. Take good care.
Barb – we were so blessed to be referred to the care of The Bird House. The compassion, the grace and support offered was priceless. God Bless you all – it truly is a special calling to serve.