Merlin Mert Dettmer's Obituary
Merlin "Mert" L. Dettmer, 80, of Fort Wayne, passed away Sunday, June 15, 2014 at Lutheran Life Villages from his recent struggle with cancer. Born in Ossian, IN, Wells County, he was the son of the late Victor and Alvina (Buuck) Dettmer. He was a member of Emmanuel Lutheran Church "Soest" and previously of Zion-Friedheim Lutheran Church. He was a car salesman (at Allen Co Motors and then at two Ford and two Chevrolet dealerships in Ossian), had a life-long passion for farming starting with helping his parents farm their 40 acres, and had a mid-life career at International Harvester which helped him raise his then young family.
He is survived by his children, Danny "Dan", and Dawn; brothers, Don and Eldon; and five grandsons. He was preceded in death by his wife of 51 years, Evelyn "Evie" (Lepper) in 2005; a daughter, Debra "Debbie", in 1984; and a brother, Norbert, in 1961.
A private memorial service was held at E. Harper & Son Funeral Home, New Haven, followed by burial in the church cemetery. Preferred memorials are to Emmanuel Lutheran Church Family Life Center (Soest) or to Worship for Shut-ins. For online condolences please go to www.harperfuneralhome.com
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