Franz Herbert DETTMER

DETTMER, Colonel Franz Herbert
Herb, as he was fondly known, passed away at home on November 16, 2009 at the age of 89. Born in Oslo, Norway, he immigrated to the United States with his parents at the age of two. They settled in Seattle, Washington. He attended West Seattle High School and the University of Washington where he obtained his degree in Chemistry and Physics. In 1942 he met and married Anne Jane Beckman who would be his sweetheart for 63 years. Herb proudly served his country for 34 years in the United States Air Force. He received his masters degree in Physics at the Navel Post Grad School. He spent his final years of service in the Commander position at Eielson AFB in Alaska, RADC in Rome, New York, and FDT at Wright Patterson in Ohio. He was honored to be recognized with many Air Force medals and awards. Herb was most proud to be awarded the Legion of Merit medal with Oak Leaf Clusters.

Upon retirement, they were happy to return to the Seattle area where they enjoyed family, church activities, Lions club and numerous hobbies. They especially enjoyed traveling across the country visiting family and friends. In 1998 Herb and Jane moved to Folsom where they became active in the Pinebrook community.

Herb is survived by his sister, Marion Stenberg of Bellevue, Washington; three loving daughters and sons-in-law: Lannie and Jim Hayes of Folsom, Cathy and Wayne Zahm of Arvada, Colorado, and Connie and Martin Dourte of Albuquerque, NM; as well as four grandchildren: Stephanie Moss of Folsom, Michelle Hanson of Arvada, Colorado, Krista Dourte of Austin, Texas, and Katie Dourte of Nashville, Tenn.; and three great-grandchildren: Katelyn and Austin Hanson and James Moss. He was preceded in death by his loving wife Jane, his daughter and son-in-law, Krista and William Martin and grandchild Sara Jane Martin.

The family would like to thank Esther Rogoyawa for her loving care of Herb for the past five years.

Services will be held at Christ the King Lutheran Church at 5881 Walnut Avenue, Orangevale on Tuesday, November 24th at 10:00 AM . In lieu of flowers the family requests that donations be made to Christ the King Memorial Fund for Herb Dettmer.