OBITUARY FROM REES FUNERAL HOME WEBSITE:
Lester F. Detterline, age 95, of Deltona, Florida—formerly of Hobart, Indiana—passed away peacefully on Thanksgiving Day, Thursday, November 27, 2025. Les was born on November 13, 1930, in Hobart, Indiana, to the late Cyrus and Loretta (Born) Detterline. He graduated from Hobart High School in 1949.
Les proudly served his country as a member of the 82nd Airborne Division in the United States Army, an experience that shaped his lifelong sense of discipline, duty, and service to others. Following his military service, he dedicated 38 years of hard work and commitment to U.S. Steel, where he was respected for his reliability and strong work ethic.
A devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, Les was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 62 years, Lois. He faithfully and lovingly cared for her for many years, demonstrating the deep commitment and quiet strength that defined his character. He is survived by his children and their spouses: Paul (Diane) Detterline of San Antonio, TX; Tim (Joyce) Detterline of New Palestine, IN; and Cheryl (Pete) Argeroudis of Deltona, FL. He was a proud grandfather to six grandchildren—Melissa (Clint) Merrill, Sarah (Joshua) Steen, Megan (Andy) Burakiewicz, Eric (Kelsey) Detterline, Beth (Aaron) Sneegas, and Tracy (Jose) Alfonso —and a cherished great-grandfather to seventeen great-grandchildren: Shae, Ava, Cooper, Gavin, Brie, Eve, Noah, Samuel, Elijah, Marlee, Milo, Stella, Crosby, Vivian, Lilian, Arianna and Christian.
Les is also survived by his two sisters, Peg and Vera, and was preceded in death by his parents; three brothers, Ralph, David, and Harold; and his sister, Mae.
A man of unwavering faith, Les was extremely active in the Lutheran church. He served in many leadership roles, including elder and president, and was always ready to help—often ensuring that anyone who needed a ride to church had one. Les was known for offering a listening ear, sharing his gentle soul, and filling every room with laughter. His kindness, steady presence, and warm humor left a lasting impact on all who knew him.
Services will commence on Friday, December 5, 2025, at Rees Funeral Home, 600 W. Old Ridge Road, Hobart, Indiana 46342. Public viewing and visitation will begin at 10:00 A.M., followed by the funeral service at 12:00 P.M., with Rev. Nathan Kramer officiating. Burial will follow at Graceland Cemetery in Valparaiso.
In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts are preferred to the Lutheran Church of Providence, 1696 Providence Blvd, Deltona, FL 32725, or via their website at www.lutheranprovidence.org.
This information was obtained from: https://www.reesfuneralhomes.com/obituary/lester-detterline. The picture above was obtained from the 1949 HHS Memories yearbook, made available by the Lake County Public Library, at: https://archive.org/details/HOHS1949Images/.
