Richard M. "Dick" Dethlefsen

Richard Dethlefsen Obituary

Richard M. 'Dick' Dethlefsen Age 79, passed away in Los Gatos, CA on January 20, 2006. He had lived in the San Jose area since 1972. He graduated from Watsonville High School in 1946. Mr Dethlefsen had a 32 year career with Bank of America, working in branches throughout California and retiring as an Assistant Vice President. In his retirement he owned Dick's Equipment and Appraisal Service. He was a lifetime member of the American Society of Appraisers.

He is survived by his wife of 58 years, Millicent of San Jose, daughter Lynn Watkinson (Brian) of El Dorado Hills, brother Douglas Dethlefsen of Rancho Palos Verdes, grandchildren Eric and Kristin Watkinson of El Dorado Hills, also survived by a brother and a sister-in-law and several nieces and nephews.

Private cremation and burial has been arranged by Mehl's Colonial Chapel, Watsonville, CA.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by San Jose Mercury News on Jan. 24, 2006.

Memories and Condolences
for Richard Dethlefsen

12 Entries

Lynn Watkinson

January 19, 2007

Hi Dad, It is one day shigh of one year since you left us. Hope you are doing ok. I think about you all the time and hoping you are watching over me and my family every day. I am not going to have this outlet anymore to talk to you. So make sure your ears are tuned into me, for I will be talking to you via voice. Love you always, your daughter Lynn

Lynn Watkinson

October 1, 2006

Hey dad how are you doing? I'm sure you're doing fine. Been thinking about you so I thought I'd write to you. Kids are fine. Kristin has a new boyfriend and he is really a nice guy. She also got a new job and starts Mon. making more money. Eric has been real busy with his job. Trying to get things done before winter. I'm job sharing this year so I only work Mon and Tues. Trying to travel more. Went to Disneyland, Calif adventure and San Diego Zoo with Marylyn. We had a great time. Brian and I are going with some friends on a South American Cruise next year. We are also going snowmobling in yellowstone. Hey you take care of yourself and I'll talk to you soon.
Love U Dad your daugther, Lynn

Lynn` Watkinson

August 18, 2006

Hi dad, hope you're doing fine. I want to wish you a happy 80th birthday. I sure wish you were here so we could have celebrated it with all the people you knew and loved you. Mom and I were going to throw you a surprise 80th, but unfortunately that can't happen. I sure hope you are celebrating with auntie Barbara, Uncle George,Aunt Hanna, Aunt Hazel your dad and all of your friends who are with you. I'm going down to Moms next week and celebrate her birthday. We are also going to a surprise 25th wedding party for Mark and Maryanne on Sat. The kids wish you a great B-Day. We are all doing fine here. I think about you always and have pictures everywhere to remind me of the great dad I had and how much I love you. Take care and talk to you soon. Love always your daughter Lynn

Lynn Watkinson

April 24, 2006

Hey dad, been thinking about you a lot lately. You are never out of my mind. Went down and visited with mom this past weekend and she is doing fine. Mom has lost a lot of weight and boy she looks great. Hope your're feeling fine these days and not sick like you were the past six months when you were here with us. I sure miss your voice and great hugs. I will be talking with you soon. Untill then be good and stay in good health.

Love you always, your daughter

Lynn

Lynn Watkinson

March 9, 2006

Hi dad sure hope your're doing ok. I'm still having trouble with this empty void that is left here. The void is not having you around anymore. Sure wish I could talk to you. Just want you to know that I'm taking excellent care of mom like you asked me to do when you were in the hospital. Mom is doing real good and all the neighbors are there for her also. I asked mom to come up to my house to attend a crab feed put on by the school I work at. She said she would get back to me. Hope she comes it would do her good to get away and out of the house. Oh, don't worry tonka will be in good hands while she is with me. Well, there isn't a day that goes by that you aren't in my thoughts. You are there 24/7 dad. Take care and I'll take to you soon.

Love ya, your daughter

Lynn

Eric Watkinson

February 22, 2006

Hi grandpa, just wanted to let you know i was thinking of you and im going to miss you. Take care going to miss you coming and visiing all of us and you messing with my hat.

love u gramps eric

Doug Dethlefsen

February 22, 2006

Dear Aunt Millie and Cousin Lynn -

I now know what you are going through since my Mom just left us to be with Jesus a week ago today. I am happy for her since she is now walking the glorious streets of gold with no more pain and no more suffering. My Mom is with your Dad and is also now reunited with her sister, Mom and Dad. What a wonderful reunion it must be. Yes, we are happy for my Mom and your Dad but, we are left behind with a huge hole where they used to be. Let's remember that we constantly need to replace the lonesome and empmty feelings and thoughts with thoughts of joy and happiness that we shared with them while they were with us. These events remind us so strongly that life is soooo short and to make the most of what we have left of our lives each and every day.

My Mom and your Dad don't want us to grieve for them anymore because they have been truely set FREE by God himself to soar like eagles. I'll bet your Dad is up in Heaven right now telling everyone the "clean" jokes like the one where the drunk flags down a cabby and asks him if he has room for a six pack of beer and a large pizza ... the cabby says, "Yes" and well, you know the rest.

When I reach Heaven someday ... I can see it now ... Uncle Richard will see me coming and say, "Come here you little Turkey!" and I'll say, "Who you calling Turkey, Turkey." Then he'll try to give me a knuckle rub and we'll wrestle a bit and then hug each other. I look forward to that day. Until then we must face each day with hope and optimizism to fill our days with joy to spill over onto the family and friends we still have all around us. Remember, if you feel like you don't have anyhting to give or anything to share ... you can always give a smile. Sometimes a smile is all someone needs to make their day a better day. Live, love and laugh as much as you can.

We loved your Dad while he was here on earth and we'll love him again someday in Heaven. We love both of you very much. Thank you for this opportunity to share some thoughts with you. Love in Him.

God Bless you both,

Doug and Cyndi Dethlefsen

Lynn Watkinson

February 21, 2006

Hi dad,

Been thinking about you a lot today. It's been four weeks since you left us and boy do we have a huge whole in our hearts. Went down to see and help mom this past weekend. Just itsn't the same. Had dinner, only two spots. The third one was empty, your spot. Sure is pretty lonely. I sure do miss you. Hope you are in better health now and feeling good. It was a tough day today couldn't get you off my mind. I love you dad. I played the message machine at moms and it sure was great to hear your voice. I think I'll do that once in a while. I find it comforting. Goodnight dad I'll write soon again. Love you always

your daughter Lynn

Lynn Watkinson

January 31, 2006

Goodnight dad.I miss hearing your voice. I miss and love you.

Lynn

Lynn Watkinson

January 29, 2006

We will miss dad deeply. It is a hard road to travel right now but I hope all the wonderful memories will help us cope and get through this difficult time. I love you dad.

Your daughter Lynn

Dad, The miracle of love is like the miracle of a flower. It thrives upon the sunshine of a smile,its roots are secured in the memories of Yesterday, and its petals breathe the promise of joy-filled tomorrows. Our love for you will always be in our hearts and may time heal our sorrow. You'll always be in my thoughts. There is not a day that goes by without you there. Love you Lynn

Audrey Adams

January 25, 2006

Millicent,

So sorry to hear about Richard, our thoughts are with you.

Audrey

Alfred Carlson

January 24, 2006

Millicent, although no words of sympathy can ease the loss you bear,still we hope you find some comfort in the knowing that others care.

I will never forget all the fun times Dick and I had working for Bank of America together. AL

Showing 1 - 12 of 12 results