Jerry Franklin Dettmer

Jerry Franklin Dettmer, age 84, of Laurie, passed away Wednesday, May 27, 2026, at the Laurie Care Center. Jerry was born and raised in Pilot Knob, Missouri, a son of Clarence and Lorene Dettmer. He graduated from the University of Missouri with a Bachelor of Science degree in electrical engineering. He earned his Masters degree in business and public administration from Webster University. Jerry served in the United States Army and was promoted to Captain. He was assigned to White Sands Missile Range (WSMR) New Mexico and was involved in the Pershing Missile Test and Evaluation program. While assigned to WSMR, he met and married his wonderful wife, Mary Lou. After departing active duty, he became a federal employee in the U.S. Defense Department, U.S. Army Aviation. Jerry retired as deputy project manager of Aviation Electronic Combat and Aircraft Survivability Equipment. Jerry and Mary Lou retired to the Lake of the Ozarks in 1996. He was a member and active participant of the St. Patrick Catholic Church, a 3rd and 4th Degree Knight of Columbus, a member of the Osage Community Elks Lodge 2705 in Laurie, the American Legion Zack Wheat Post 624 in Sunrise Beach and the Westside Senior Center. He is survived by his daughter, Michelle Koenigsman and husband Mike of Gravois Mills, Missouri; son, John Dettmer and wife Amy of Uvalde, Texas; grandchildren, Jason, Nicole, Matthew, Nicholas, Nathan, Blake, Luke, Reagan, Cooper and Max; brothers, James Dettmer and wife Ann of Springfield, Missouri and Joe Dettmer and wife Carla of Overland Park, Kansas and many other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, Clarence and Lorene Dettmer, wife, Mary Lou Dettmer and his brother, Jeff Dettmer. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 a.m., Tuesday, June 2nd, at the St. Patrick Catholic Church in Laurie with Father John Schmitz celebrating. Graveside services and interment with full military honors will follow in St. Patrick’s Cemetery. A rosary will be prayed at 9:30 a.m., Tuesday, at the church with the family receiving friends from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. Memorial contributions are suggested to the St. Patrick Catholic Church, the National Shrine of Mary, Mother of the Church, the American Legion Zack Wheat Post 624, the Osage Community Elks Lodge 2705 or the Westside Senior Center. Arrangements are under the direction and care of the Kidwell-Garber Laurie/Sunrise Beach Chapel.

Jerry Franklin Dettmer

February 4, 1942 - May 27, 2026

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Jerry Franklin Dettmer

February 4, 1942 - May 27, 2026

About Us

What We Do

Contact KG/Locations

Grief & Healing

Plan Ahead

Obituaries

Resources

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