Obituary of Robert Dale Detwiler

Robert “Dale” Detwiler, 83, of Eau Claire, passed away on Sunday, December 11, 2022, at his home,

surrounded by his loving family.

He was born on April 28, 1939 to the late Robert and Myrna (Piggott) Farmer in Flint Michigan.

Dale graduated from Benton Harbor High School in 1957, soon after graduation, he enlisted in the United

States Navy. On September 1, 1961, he married the love of his life, whom he met at the age of 15 when he

was her family’s paperboy. Dale and the former Judith Ward were married at the First Baptist Church in Benton Harbor. That union was blessed with three daughters.

Dale worked as a lineman for AEP, up until he retired in 1999.

Dale was an avid fisherman. He enjoyed taking his daughters fishing, going to the cabin, and fishing with his

Friends, where he would stay for days at a time. The most memorable times with Dale was when he was

hosting years of company picnics with his work families, or many years of Piggott family reunions, all at his

home in Watervliet. He lived in Watervliet for forty-five years, enjoying his land, and the many different animals, and pets he had over the years.

He was preceded in death by his parents, stepfather, and three stepsisters, Wilma, Joyce, and Marilyn.

Dale is survived by his wife, Judith Detwiler of Eau Claire; daughters, Renee (Will) Salefske of Gobles; Jodi

(Randall) Doine of Lansing; Roxanne Smith of Eau Claire; eight grandchildren; Steven (Jen) Salefske, Sean

(Amanda) Salefske, Sara Salefske, Sam (Jacquelin) Salefske, Stacie (Kyle) Slater, Brooklyne Rogers, Morgan

Smith, Madison Smith, eight great-grandchildren; Roni, Bella, Jonas, Holden, Henry, McKenzie, Nolan,

Scarlett, and one Slater great grandchild due in February. One sister, Carol Smith of Tarpon Springs, Florida,

and one stepsister, Janet Hahn of St Joseph; along with fifteen nieces and nephews.

A memorial service will be held at 11:00 AM on Thursday, January 5, 2023, at North Shore Memory

Garden Mausoleum in Coloma, Michigan. Family will gather with friends one hour prior to the

service for a time of visitation.

Condolences, photos, and memories may be left for the family at www.BrownFuneralHomeNiles.com.

Contributions may be made to Caring Circle Hospice of St. Joseph.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Brown Funeral Home & Cremation Services, of Niles.