Jerrold Joseph Detweiler

NEWTON—Jerrold Joseph Detweiler, 82, died March 26, 2021, at home on hospice. Joe was born Feb. 15, 1939, at Weatherford, Oklahoma, to Joe A. and Polly May (Swartzendruber) Detweiler.

He graduated from Hesston Academy, class of 1957.

He then attended four years of apprentice carpentry school in Kansas City, Missouri.

Joe accepted Christ at an early age and was baptized by Brother Earl Buckwalter at the Pennsylvania Mennonite Church in rural Hesston.

He spent his youth working hard at various jobs, moving with his family from Oklahoma to Raytown, Missouri, to Zimmerdale, Kansas, then to rural Newton.

He was drafted and served in I-W for two years on messenger service at K.U. Medical Center, Kansas City, Kansas. He worked as a manager and carpenter, and he also enjoyed farming. He was the Sedgwick Township Treasurer for 20 years.

He met Mary Lou Erb in the fall of 1960 when she attended Hesston College for nurses training.

They were married April 26, 1964 and have enjoyed 56 years together. 

To this union was born a son: Dr. Doyle Dean (Paula) Detweiler, Halstead; daughters: Monica Marie (Stephen) Cavanaugh, Watkinsville, Georgia; Rachelle Renea (Frankie Klein) Detweiler, Baltimore, Maryland; sister: Lola Fay (Chris) Miller, Denver, Colorado; grandchildren; Lilly, Hannah, and Michael Detweiler; Alex and Morgan Cavanaugh.

He was preceded in death by stillborn son, Joey; brother, James Detweiler; and sister, Barbara Gleysteen.

He was a hard worker, wonderful husband, and loving father.

A private family celebration of life will be held.

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