Cheryl Dettman

Cheryl Dettman, age 80, passed away peacefully at The Elms in Michigan City, Indiana, on Nov. 27, 2025.

Cheryl was born on May 3, 1945, in Michigan City, Indiana, to William and Garnet (Peters) Wilke. Cheryl grew up with strong family values that carried throughout her life.

She married the love of her life, Richard Dettman, on Oct. 4, 1963, and together they built a life filled with devotion, laughter and countless cherished memories. Cheryl was preceded in death by her parents and by her beloved husband of more than 57 years, Richard.

Cheryl was the proud mother of three children, Kim (Mark) Zdyb of Michigan City, John (Jennifer) Dettman of Noblesville and Jeff (Erin) Dettman of Michigan City. She was blessed with six grandsons, Hogan, Grant, Hunter, Aydan, Dominik and Oliver, each of whom held a special place in her heart. She is also survived by her brothers, Bill (June) Wilke of Beverly Shores and Tim (Kari) Wilke of La Porte; her brother-in-law, Jim Dettman of Florida; and her special sister-in-heart, Candy Wilke of Chesterton. She was also preceded in death by her half-sisters, Elaine Alonso and Evelyn Brown; sister-in-law, Rochelle Dettman; and nephew, David Dettman.

Cheryl worked for many years as a dedicated secretary and receptionist, serving at Weil-McLain, St. Paul Lutheran Church and The Medical Group. Her warmth, reliability, and kindness made her a trusted colleague and friend. She was also a lifelong caretaker, offering compassion to both the young and the elderly whenever she was needed.

Cheryl was someone who always had faith in her Lord and Savior. She was a member of St. Luke and St. Paul Lutheran Church. She loved to sing in the choir and went to church every Sunday she could.

She always seemed to grace people with good cheer and quiet counsel. She had a big heart which found the good in every person she met. No one was a stranger to her. She loved to chat with and comfort people if she could. Her nickname at work was Saint/Mama Cheryl. Everyone who came in contact with her found her to be very kind and caring, and she treated friends like family.

In her spare time, Cheryl enjoyed crocheting, knitting and shopping. She had a special fondness for angels, heart-shaped keepsakes and visits to Cracker Barrel! Above all, she treasured time spent with her grandsons, never passing up an opportunity to watch them, support them or simply enjoy their company.

Throughout her life, Cheryl faced many challenges with remarkable grace and unwavering faith. From caring for her mother and brothers after her father passed, to living with congenital lymphedema, to bravely battling cancer – becoming a 25-year survivor – followed later by diabetes and dementia, Cheryl approached every hardship with prayer, strength and a smile. Cheryl will be lovingly remembered as a devoted mother, sister, aunt, cousin and friend. Her kindness, resilience and gentle spirit will remain an enduring blessing to all who knew her.

Memorial contributions may be made in Cheryl's memory to the Alzheimer's Association or the American Cancer Society.

Friends may visit with the family on Saturday, Dec. 6, 2025, at Geisen-Carlisle Funeral Home, located at 613 Washington St., Michigan City, Indiana, from 1 p.m. until the time of service at 3 p.m.