Irene Doris (Stout) Dettman

In Loving Memory of Irene Doris Dettman

April 3, 1933 – April 24, 2025

Irene Doris Dettman, 92, of Tipton, Iowa, peacefully entered her eternal rest on April 24, 2025, at Cedar Manor Nursing Home in Tipton. Services to honor her life will be held Thursday, May 1, 2025, at Fry Funeral Home in Tipton, Iowa, with visitation from 9:30 to 11:00 a.m., followed immediately by a funeral service at 11:00 a.m. Irene will be laid to rest at the Tipton Masonic Cemetery. A luncheon in her honor will follow at the Tipton VFW. Online condolences, photographs, and memories may be shared at www.fryfuneralhome.com.

Born on April 3, 1933, to Glenn and Annie (Stepanek) Stout in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, Irene grew up on a small farm outside Cedar Bluff. Her early years were filled with joy and adventure, fishing in the creek, spending time with her beloved horse, and learning the art of baking kolaches with her mother. She shared her childhood with her brother Richard and cherished the simple pleasures of farm life, including caring for chickens, turkeys, pigs like Porky and Petunia, and her favorite cats, including Smoky, Patches and Midnight later in life.

After graduating from Tipton High School, Irene continued her education at Kirkwood Community College, studying journalism—a reflection of her lifelong curiosity and interest in learning.

On January 16, 1960, Irene married Robert Edward Dettman in Tipton, Iowa. Their love story began in Cedar Rapids, where Irene met Robert on a dance outing with friends. After a bit of persistence, Robert won her heart, and together they built a life full of love, laughter, and shared passions. Their mutual love for dancing carried through their marriage, creating fond memories for their children Bernard, Mike, David, and Pam, who often joined them on the dance floor.

Throughout her life, Irene worked diligently and held various jobs, including roles at Wabash Industries, Scheller Globe, Tipton High School kitchen, TRAIN in Tipton, and several restaurants. She owned and operated a daycare for several years and even had the unique opportunity to meet and serve Buddy Holly and Glen Campbell during her time at the Bring 'er In Restaurant. Though Robert passed in 1990, Irene found solace in the presence of her family, friends, and cherished memories.

Irene loved garage sale shopping, antiques, and bingo. She spoke fondly of her travels to Florida, Georgia, and Tennessee, where she experienced her first airplane ride. Dedicated to her family, Irene made Sunday dinners a tradition and lovingly prepared meals for her husband and children every night. Her kolaches and heartfelt cooking kept her mother’s legacy alive.

Her grandchildren—Jared, Devin, Benjamin, and Brandel—were among Irene’s greatest joys. Her love extended beyond her human family, as she cared deeply for her grand-kittens, Patches and Midnight. Irene’s compassionate spirit, devotion to her family, and appreciation for life’s simple pleasures made her an enduring presence in the lives of all who knew her.

Irene is survived by her son David (Kat) Dettman, daughter Pam (Gary) Schoepfer, her grandchildren, Benjamin, Brandel, Jared, and Devin, and her grand-kittens, Patches and Midnight. She was preceded in death by her husband Robert, her sons Bernard "Bernie" Dettman and Mike Dettman, and her brother Richard Stout.

Irene’s love, resilience, and selflessness leave an indelible mark on her family and community. She will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered.