Darrell J. Dettling

Darrell J Dettling June 23, 1935 - January 24, 2015 Darrell Dettling, Sacramento Real Estate Developer, Businessman and Honorary Sheriff's Deputy Darrell Dettling, a highly regarded custom home builder and commercial land developer died at home on January 24, 2015 of cancer. He was 79. A Sacramento native and lifelong resident, Mr. Dettling was very active in the community over the years. He built custom homes in many areas of Sacramento and helped develop the Sierra Oaks, Del Dayo, Wilhaggin and Granite Bay communities. Later he successfully developed commercial retail, office and industrial properties. Mr. Dettling was born on June 23, 1935 to Frank and Alice Dettling (predeceased) who were long time rice farmers in Sutter and Yolo Counties. And brother to Beverly J. Bender (predeceased). He graduated from C.K. McClatchy High School in 1953 and was a fan of the Sacramento Solons. He studied Agriculture at UC Davis and graduated in 1956. While at Davis, he was a member of Phi Sigma Kappa.He was a true patriot throughout his life; he served in the Air National Guard and was stationed in Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio, Texas with Squadron 3706, November of 1957.He went into the construction business, later establishing Dettling Construction, Inc. and was a member of the Building Industry Association of Superior California since 1966 and was involved in developments in Sacramento and Placer Counties. He was always very active and loved the outdoors - truly aman of all seasons: whether it was dove, deer or elk hunting in the fall; skiing, snowmobiling and hanging out in a duck blind in the winter or golfing and fishingin the spring and summer. He celebrated the outdoors within California, Wyoming, Colorado and British Colombia with his many hunting trips as well as joining friends around the country pursuing their love of golf at championship golf courses. He spent countless hours with his daughters in their love for equestrian show horses giving up many weekends to take them to competitions around the state. He had a love of Thoroughbred horse racing and was licensed with the California Horse Racing Board and was a member of California Thoroughbred Breeders Association of which he owned and bred Thoroughbred race horses. An avid golfer, he was a 12 year Board member and Past Presidentat Northridge Country Club in Fair Oaks. He was honored to serve nine years on the Board of Governors, including in 2006 presiding as President of the Northern California Senior Golf Association based at Poppy Hills Golf Course in Pebble Beach, CA. He always put his family first and supported them in all their endeavors. He loved to spend time with friends and enjoyed summers with his wife Susan fishing, playing golf and relaxing at Graeagle, CA. He joyfully watched his grandchildren's activities and sports. It was a tradition for his children and grandchildren to learn how to drive as well as spending time at the family's O'Banion Ranch. The ranch held a special place in his heart since growing up as a young boy. Mr. Dettling was a well respected member of the community who was known for his honesty and integrity. Fundraising for several local charities and national organizations such as Big Brothers Association, Duck's Unlimited, National Rifle Association, Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation and the American Cancer Society. He was a long time supporter of the Sacramento Sheriff's Department and was very proud of his appointment as an Honorary Sheriff's Deputy. Mr. Dettling is survived by his loving wife, Susan; his daughters Erin Dettling Jones and Diane E. Dettling; son in law Penn H. Jones; grandchildren Hayley M. Jones, Whitney B. Jones and Penn H. Jones Jr. His brother in law, Allen L. Bender, nieces and nephews Jenny Bender Bittner (Jed Bittner), Kathy Bender Miller (Terence Miller), Blake Bender (Linda Bender) and Brian Bender along with many grand nieces and nephews. A funeral mass to be held at 10:00 am on Thursday, January 29th at Holy Spirit Church, 3159 Land Park Drive, Sacramento followed by entombment at St. Mary's Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family requests and appreciates any remembrances to be made to Sutter Cancer Center, 2800 L Street, #300, Sacramento, CA 95816 or Mercy Cancer Center, 3301 C Street #550, Sacramento, CA 95816. An online guestbook for remembrances and condolences may be written at www.gormleyandsons.com. The family extends their gratitude to the many family members, close friends, caregiver and hospice for their loving support.