Vernon Richard Dettmer, 86 of Avoca passed away peacefully Sunday, November 17, 2013 at home surrounded by his family.

He was born November 6, 1927 east of Avoca in rural Cass County. He was the son of William and Hattie Dettmer. Vern was united in marriage to Patricia Roloff on June 2, 1948 at Christ Lutheran Church in Louisville, Nebraska.

In his lifetime Vern farmed, owned his own construction company and was a professional BS'r. He loved the community of Avoca. He served on the Avoca Village Board, was a member of the Avoca Volunteer Fire Department, Co-founder of The Avoca Quack Off, and was recently nominated as President of the Avoca Golf Cart Association.

Vern enjoyed being outside with nature, hunting, fishing and spending time with his grandchildren and all of his friends both young and old. He never met a stranger and loved sharing his stories.

He is survived by his children Bill (Dawn) Dettmer, Nancy (Mike) Bose, Steve (Christy) Dettmer, Nadine (Gary) Kreifels; 18 grandchildren; 9 great grandchildren; family members Harvey (Myldred) Dettmer, DonnaBelle Dettmer, Shirley Roloff, Lorenze (Janice) Roloff, Judy (Mike) Kuzeppa, Bill Worthan and extended family and friends.

He was preceded in death by wife Patty, parents Bill and Hattie Dettmer, Emma and Lorenze Roloff; family members Elmer and Norma Jean Dettmer, Art Dettmer, Bill Roloff, Chuck Roloff, Naomi Worthan; grandson Shawn Dettmer and great granddaughter Hope Richardson.

Funeral Services will be held on Wednesday, November 20, 2013 at 2:00 P.M. at First Lutheran Church (North Branch), Rural Avoca, Nebraska with Rev. William Dressen officiating.

Visitation will be held on Tuesday, November 19, 2013 from 9:00 A.M. until 9:00 P.M. with family greeting friends from 6-8 PM at the Funeral Home.

Interment will be in the First Lutheran (North) Branch Cemetery.

Memorial may be directed to the family's choice.

Fusselman-Allen-Harvey Funeral Home, Syracuse, Nebraska