Four members of the Detter family died Oct. 11, 2020, in a fire at their De Soto home. Joe and Fran Detter, their daughter, Sherri Detter, and granddaughter, Kari Detter, perished in the early-morning, four-alarm fire at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Detter on Vineland School Road.
Visitation is scheduled from 2-8 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 21, at the Hillsboro Civic Center, 10349 Hwy. 21, in Hillsboro. A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday, Oct. 22, at the civic center, officiated by Brother Bob Thebeau. Burial will follow in the Woodlawn Cemetery in De Soto. Memorials may be made to the family. Arrangements are under the direction of Mahn Funeral Home in De Soto.
Joseph James Detter, 76, De Soto
Frances Mae Detter, 74, De Soto
Joseph James Detter, 76, was born Oct. 2, 1944, in Hillsboro, the son of the late John W. and Carolina H. (Lombardo) Detter. He was an assembly line worker for General Motors at its plant in Wentzville until his retirement. He also worked for the city of Hillsboro and Franklin County as a building inspector, was a police officer and a restaurateur. He served with the Missouri National Guard and was a member of the DeSoto Lions Club, American Legion Post 253 in Festus, Joachim Masonic Lodge in Hillsboro and the Moolah Shriners Temple. He enjoyed going to yard sales, auctions, and serving his community by volunteering his time to various organizations and causes.
Frances Mae Detter, 74, was born Feb. 5, 1946, in St Louis, the daughter of the late Ralph Whitby and Laura (Vortruba) Whitby-Douglas. She was a member of the De Soto Lions Club and enjoyed cooking, going to yard sales, thrift shopping and writing poetry for her family and friends.
They are survived by six children: John Joseph Detter, James Lee Detter, Jerry Ralph Detter, Donna L. (Bill) Lucas and Kimberly Jane Detter, all of De Soto, and Terri (Robert) Missey of Sterling, Colo.; eight grandchildren: Kelsey Detter, Clayton J. Foreman, Kami Detter, Payton Missey, Jeremy Detter, Zoey Detter, Jordan Lucas and Brandi Henderson; three great-grandchildren: Brooke Henderson, Cali Henderson and Reese Yancey; and Mr. Detter’s brother: Jerry Detter of De Soto.
Mr. Detter was preceded in death by a brother: John Detter; and three sisters: Frances Blum, Dorothy Detter and Darlene Pashia. Mrs. Detter was preceded in death by three brothers: Dennis Whitby, Frank Vortruba and Lee Whitby.
Sherri Marie Detter, 37, De Soto
Sherri Marie Detter, 37, was born Dec. 2, 1982, in Festus, the daughter of Joseph James and Frances Mae (Vortruba) Detter. She was employed as an election office clerk with the office of the Jefferson County Commissioner. She enjoyed spending time with her family and friends.
In addition to her six siblings, she is survived by numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives and many friends.
Kari Paige Detter, 18, De Soto
Kari Paige Detter, 18, was born Aug. 15, 2002, in Crystal City, the daughter of Kimberly Jane Detter of De Soto. She attended De Soto High School and enjoyed being with her friends, listening to music, doing makeup and nails, riding four-wheelers, hiking and spending time with her dog, Bailey.
In addition to her mother, she is survived by a sister: Kami Detter of De Soto; and many aunts and uncles, cousins and friends.