Rosalie Dettloff

With unending love for others, Rosalie Dettloff was such a blessing to know and love. She was gracious and kindhearted, genuine and compassionate with a certain sparkle about her that made her truly beautiful on the inside and out. A loving wife and devoted mother, Rosalie’s heart beat to love and nurture the family who was her greatest source of pride and joy. Never one to worry about what she had, she generously gave of her time to help others in the community she called home for much of her life. Guided by an unwavering faith, Rosalie’s life exemplified what it means to trust in the Lord with all her heart. She leaves behind a priceless collection of memories that will be a lasting treasure for years to come.

Rosalie was welcomed into the world by her parents, Joseph and Loretta in Detroit, Michigan, on June 5, 1935. In many ways Rosalie experienced an upbringing that was a reflection of the time. She had her own creative flair and enjoyed things like painting, drawing, and making any sort of craft. As a young woman, Rosalie worked at NBD Bank in downtown Detroit.

Not to be forgotten during her years as a young woman was Rosalie’s introduction to the young man of her dreams. His name was Leonard Dettloff, and it wasn’t long before the couple found themselves deeply in love. With a desire to establish a life together, Rosalie and her sweetheart were married. Together they welcomed three children into their hearts and home including their sons, Joseph and Michael, and their daughter, Laura. From the moment she became a mother Rosalie fully embraced the role, and she loved caring for her husband and children. She was an active part of her children’s lives and there for whatever they needed in ways both great and small.

Although caring for her family was her primary focus, Rosalie kept busy in other ways as well. She enjoyed animals and was a dog and bird lover who occasionally worked at pet stores where she gave out samples of dog food. Rosalie especially loved it when people brought their dogs into the store with them. In addition, she was involved with Sweet Adelines, Confraternity of Christian Mothers, the church choir, she also volunteered at the gift shop at Garden City Hospital and also at a medical office building. A longtime and faithful member of St. Theodore Catholic Church in Westland. Rosalie loved her church family, she was involved with Busy Bee and had a front row seat to every church function! Rosalie, being dedicated to volunteerism also worked on voting days at the polls.

Rosalie loved the holidays since it was a time when the family gathered together, and with an open door and an open heart all friends were treated like family. As a social couple, she and her husband went out with friends every New Year’s Eve for several years. When she was able, Rosalie loved escaping the cold winter weather to take a month long vacation in Florida. While relaxing at home she enjoyed watching Wheel of Fortune and various shows on the Hallmark Channel as she just loved a happy ending. Often times Rosalie was doing needlepoint, macrame, or canvas cross-stitching while watching television. She also loved her crossword puzzles, playing bingo, and cheering on the Detroit Lions.

All who knew Rosalie Dettloff would agree that she was an extraordinary woman to know and love. She always looked at life through rose colored glasses and often said, “There are no bad people; sometimes people do bad things.” Rosalie offered unconditional love to those around her, and her devotion to her family was unmatched. Laid back, calm, and reassuring to others, she will be deeply missed while her memory is forever cherished.

Rosalie Dettloff died on December 22, 2014. Rosalie’s family includes her son, Joseph (Ruth) and Michael. Rosalie was preceded in death by her husband, Leonard, and her daughter, Laura.

Visit with Rosalie’s family and friends on Friday, 2-7 at Neely-Turowski Life Story Funeral Home 30200 Five Mile (Between Middle Belt and Merriman).In state Saturday 9:30 a.m. until time of mass 10:00 a.m. at St. Theodore Catholic Church (Wayne Rd, South of Joy Rd). Entombment Cadillac Memorial Gardens West. You’re invited to sign the online guestbook, leave a condolence, or share a memory at www.TurowskiLifeStory.com