John Dettling

John Louis Dettling Sr., 91, passed away on Saturday, Feb. 23, 2008. Mr. Dettling was born on Nov. 12, 1916 in Angleton to Charlie and Helen Gabriel Dettling. On July 5, 1943 he married Geraldine Louise Wendel. The couple moved to Camp Hood and resided there until he was activated to Europe during World War II.

While serving in General George Patton's 603 Tank Battalion, Mr. Dettling received six battle stars and a bronze star for his part in liberating the Buchenwald Concentration Camp in Germany. He fought in the Battle of Luxemburg, the Battle of the Bulge and the Normandy invasion on D-Day.

After returning to the states, John and Geraldine settled in Wharton where he worked at the Phoenix Dairy and at Cossey Pontiac as a mechanic. He attended Houston Barber College and after receiving his license worked at Sherrill's Barber Shop for 32 years. Prior to and into his retirement, he worked security for Gulf Coast Medical Center and operated his own tractor-moving operation along with his sons.

Mr. Dettling was an active member of Holy Family Catholic Church in Wharton where he served as head usher and president of the Holy Name Society. He was a 55-year member of the Knights of Columbus Council No. 3262. He was a third degree Knight. Mr. Dettling was also active in the American Legion Post No. 87 and the Veterans of Foreign Wars. He was a strong supporter of the Disabled American Veterans Association of Wharton County with special interest in raising funds for the county-wide Van Pool that transports disabled veterans to the Houston Veteran's Hospital.

He is survived by his wife, Geraldine; daughters, Frances Pullin and husband Dorman of Caldwell and Elizabeth Moreno and husband Gabe of Wharton; sons, Joseph and wife Sheryl of College Station, Leroy and John, both of Wharton; and sonin law, Mark Monfrey of Dallas; sister, Mary Erdelt of Hillje; brother, Willie and wife Dorothy of El Campo; 11 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents; daughter, Helen Monfrey; brothers, Frank, Vincent, Anton, Mike and Charlie.

Pallbearers are Michael Moreno, Patrick Moreno, Christopher Moreno, Gabriel Moreno, Chris Dettling, Chris Moreno, Glenn Wendel and Mark Monfrey.

Honorary pallbearers are Verlie Sherrill, Leland Treybig, Charlie Briggs and Emil Petter,

A rosary/prayer service was held on Monday, Feb. 25 at 7 p.m. in the chapel of Wharton Funeral Home. A funeral Mass was held on Tuesday, Feb. 26, at Holy Family Catholic Church in Wharton with the Rev. Dominic Antwi-Boasiako presiding.

Gifts of Remembrance can be made to: Disabled American Veterans Association, P.O. Box 1565, El Campo, TX 77437, Attention: Van Pool; or Holy Family Catholic Church Bluilding Fund, 2011 Briar Lane, Wharton, TX 77488.