Obituary of Donald Arthur Detzel

Donald Arthur Detzel, age 69, went to be with our Lord on Monday, November 11, 2024 after a courageous battle with cancer and dementia. He was the best husband, father, and Papa until the very end. Throughout his time on earth, Don dedicated his life to the Lord and did His work by educating students in the Erie School District for twenty years. Don was born to the late Arthur “Duke” and Wilma (Carnelly) Detzel of Erie, Pennsylvania. Duke and Wilma instilled in Don the strong values he carried throughout his life. Don lovingly cared for his father, Duke, until his passing in 2007. In addition to his parents, Don is preceded in death by his father-in-law, Richard Walsh; his beloved dogs, Murphy and Toby; and his aunts, Winifred and Bertille Detzel, who were like second mothers and helped shape him into the man he became. Don leaves behind his devoted wife, Catherine; his children, Shivani Suri (Nick) of Erie, PA, Josh Detzel (Melanie) and Troy Detzel, both of Pittsburgh, PA, and his mother-in-law, Doris Walsh of Erie. He was always finding ways to make his family laugh through impersonations and jokes that sometimes only he would laugh at. His family was always his number one priority. The pride and joy of his life was his granddaughter, Sam Suri. He was her biggest fan, always supporting her basketball and soccer teams. Their bond was truly special, filled with memories of tractor rides, laundry basket rides, and so much laughter. Of all the titles Don held, “Papa” was his favorite. Don attended Strong Vincent High School, where he was a city champion in wrestling and track in 1973. He continued his education at USC, where he majored in music and secondary education. While at USC, Don was an active member of the marching band, and after graduation, he followed his passion for drums, joining a band and sharing his love for music. Don eventually returned to Erie, where he taught Social Studies in the Erie School District. In 1999, he met the love of his life, Catherine, in the office at Erie High, where she worked as the secretary. Don would leave love notes on her desk, and they eventually married in 2001. Their children served as witnesses to their wedding, securing a family for a lifetime. Beyond being a devoted family man, Don enjoyed hiking and taking long drives on country roads. Even while driving, he would call his family to share the beauty of God’s creation. A man of deep faith, Don always took time to pray with others and remind them of their purpose in life. He touched countless lives and will be deeply missed by everyone who knew him. Don’s family would like to extend their heartfelt thanks to the doctors at the Saint Vincent Cancer Center and the countless nurses who cared for him, especially Nurse Kathy who often endured his sense of humor with grace. They would also like to thank the staff at AseraCare Hospice, especially nurses; Debbie and Briana, who assisted them throughout the last few weeks of his journey, and to the Rev. Shane Matthews for his religious comforting blessings and prayers. Friends may call at the Dusckas-Martin Funeral Home and Crematory, Inc., 4216 Sterrettania Rd. on Sunday, November 17, 2024 from 5 pm until 7 pm. A private service for immediate family and close friends will follow. Private interment Gate of Heaven Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Anna Shelter, 1555 East 10th St., Erie, PA 16511.