Patrick Detzler

Patrick N. Detzler Lansing Age 95, passed away on June 3, 2010 at Eaton Community Hospice in Charlotte, MI. Pat was born July 30, 1914 in Newberry, MI to Nicholas J. and Julia E. (Quinlan) Detzler. He was preceded in death by his parents and two sisters Arvilla Detzler and Frances Leaf. Pat joined the Michigan State Police in 1937 after working with his father in his trucking business throughout the Upper Peninsula. He was stationed at many posts during his career with the MSP rising to the rank of Lieutenant Detective when he retired in 1963. Among his assignments were the Special Investigation Squad, assisting military intelligence during World War II and serving on guard detail for President Truman when he visited Michigan. He later worked for Boichot Concrete as a salesman before joining the Michigan State Highway Department as an investigator. While working for the MSP he met Caroline Smith whom he married on November 6, 1948. Caroline became a stay-home mom with the arrival of their two children but returned to work at the Michigan State Highway Department from which they both retired in 1983. They spent the next 12 years enjoying retirement with friends both here in Lansing and in Orange Beach, AL spending much of their time golfing. Caroline passed away in 1995. Pat spent the next 15 years continuing to enjoy playing golf and cards with many friends locally as well as continuing his trips to Alabama as a resident snow bird with his friend Alberta Hardy. Pat is survived by his daughter, Cathy Huber and her husband, Dan, of Combined Locks, WI as well as a son Michael and two granddaughters, Paige and Colleen, of Geneva, IL. The Funeral Mass will be held at 11:30 a.m. on Monday, June 7, 2010, at St. Gerard Catholic Church, 4437 W. Willow St., Lansing, with The Rev. Fr. Prabhu Lakra as celebrant. The Rite of Committal will follow in St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery, 2520 W. Willow St. Visitation will be held from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. Sunday at the Estes-Leadley Greater Lansing Chapel where the Rosary will be prayed at 7:30 p.m. and one hour prior to the service time on Monday. In lieu of flowers donations in Pat's memory can be made to the Eaton Community Hospice at 2675 Cochran Rd., Charlotte, MI 48813.