Julius Edwin Dettmann, 90, of Monona, Iowa died Saturday, May 1, 2021 at Elkader Care Center in Elkader, Iowa. Julius was born on June 28, 1930 to Alvin and Selma (Kregel) Dettmann on the family farm. He went to Evergreen Grove Country School. Julius helped his parents and neighbors with farm work until he was drafted into the United States Army in April 1951. He served in Korea until January 1953. Julius received a Combat Infantry Badge, two Bronze Stars and a Medal for Bravery. After he was honorably discharged, Julius was acknowledged with a service medal from the Korean Government. Upon returning home from the service, Julius continued farming and hauled can milk for Swiss Valley.
Julius was united in marriage with Orlene Baries and to this union one son, Dennis was born. Orlene passed away in 1966 and Julius sold his home in Luana and his milk route. He moved back to farm with his parents and went to work for Luana and Monona Co-ops. In July of 1969, Julius was united in marriage with Joyce (Radloff) Miller. He then went back to farming full time and they were honored to have their farm pictured on the National Hoards Dairyman in May 1981. They also had a farm picture on the placemats used by Land O’ Lakes Co-op for their annual meetings for many years. Throughout the years, Julius was a Luana Fireman, a 4-H Leader, was on the church council and was a member of American Legion for over fifty years. Upon retiring from dairying, he drove school bus. Julius enjoyed traveling, family gatherings and attending his Army reunions.
Surviving Julius are his son, Dennis (Pauline) Dettmann; step-children, Connie (Dave) Olney, Sheryl Miller and Allen (Chris) Miller; his grandchildren, Derek Dettmann, Stacy Dettmann (Eric Haunfelder), Joe Olney, Steve (Carly) Olney, Justin (Sara) Miller and Kathleen (Jack) Williams; and his great-grandchildren, Cooper, Kinnick and Kinsley Olney and Dillon, Kayla and Mia Miller.
Julius was preceded in death by his parents, Alvin and Selma Dettmann; his first wife, Orlene; his second wife, Joyce; two sisters, Jean (Eugene) Collins and Joyce (Carlton) Collins; and his step-daughters, Gloria Zittergruen and Judy Kupcis.
Visitation will be held from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm on Wednesday, May 5, 2021 at Leonard-Grau Funeral Home and Cremation Service in Monona, Iowa. There will also be a one hour visitation before services at the church on Thursday.
Funeral Service will be at 11:00 am on Thursday, May 6, 2021 at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Monona, Iowa with Rev. Erika Lenth as the officiant.
Burial will follow in the Monona City Cemetery, Monona, Iowa
Leonard-Grau Funeral Home and Cremation Service of Monona, Iowa is assisting the family with arrangements.