Obituary: Patricia Lee (Sisko) Dettmer, 83, of Ludington

Patricia Dettmer

Patricia Lee (Sisko) Dettmer, 83, of Ludington, formerly of Rockford, passed away at her family home on Monday, July 7, 2025. She was born on November 7, 1941, in her grandparents’ home in Scottville.

Pat grew up in Ludington, where she developed a lifelong love for family, pets, horses, reading, gardening, swimming, water, her church, and so much more. She graduated from Michigan State University and remained a passionate fan throughout her life. It was at Michigan State that Pat met her devoted husband of 62 years, Fred Nylan (“Ny”) Dettmer.

While raising her three daughters with Ny, Pat enjoyed being active with yoga, daily walks with her dog, camping and canoeing with friends as well as travel. Her energetic and enthusiastic spirit was the heart of countless family stories. Pat especially cherished adventures with her grandchildren, from ice skating and sledding well into her 70s, to sharing her love of the outdoors and reading.

Pat was deeply involved in her community and faith. She served in leadership roles at North Kent Presbyterian Church in Rockford and, alongside Ny, led a beloved church cycling group for nearly a decade. Professionally, Pat began her career in the advertising dept for Kmart, moving to childcare while her children were young and later as a librarian at The Grand Rapids Press.

Pat is survived by her three daughters: Elizabeth (Tom) Dettmer, Deborah McIntyre, and Michelle (Bucky) Strong; six grandchildren; three great-granddaughters; and her sister Maralyn (Jim) Gable and brother James Sisko. She was preceded in death by her husband Ny Dettmer; her parents, Eileen Alway Sisko and Al Sisko; her sister, Beatrix (Trixie) Harbin; and her son-in-law, Gene McIntyre.

Family and friends are warmly invited to celebrate Pat’s life on Saturday, July 26, at the Community Church, 109 N Harrison St, Ludington. Visitation will begin at 10 a.m., followed by a service at 11 a.m. and a luncheon.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Community Church of Ludington, where Pat and Ny were married; to North Kent Presbyterian Church of Rockford, where Pat and Ny were members for over 40 years; or to cancer research.

Pat’s legacy of family commitment, pets, reading, gardening, swimming, and adventure will live on in the hearts of all who knew her.

Arrangements were entrusted to Grace Funeral Home & Cremation Services (formerly Oak Grove Funeral Home of Ludington), www.GraceCremations.com.