Richard Dethloff

Upon returning home, he spent time farming, driving bus and working at The Pub with his good friends Burt and Kathy Davies. In 1970, Dick and Lois opened The Villager, a clothing and gift store for all ages. After 25 years in business, the Villager went out of clothing and into antiques which had been a love of Dick’s for a long time. At this time, he also returned to driving bus. He was strict with the kids, but always friendly and interested in them, giving out chocolate bars for Christmas and the end of the year. With all of the jobs Dick had over the years, driving bus was his favorite. 

Dick was a huge animal lover and wildlife conservationist his entire life. He fed hundreds of deer and birds over the years and provided a safe home for them at the farm. They were his favorite form of entertainment. Dick will be remembered by many with a bird on his shoulder, a squirrel in his hands or a cat trailing behind him. 

Dick served the community well too. He served on the school board and bank board and was very active with the Amboy Chamber of Commerce. He was especially active with Christmas Wonderland, helping build displays and playing Santa.  

Dick took his Christian faith seriously and was a member of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Amboy. He served as the President of the congregation and in many other ways. Dick lived his faith, helping anyone who needed it. 

Of all the things Dick did throughout his life, spending time with his wife and family was his favorite. From trips to Jekyll Island, GA and the North Shore with Lois to having his Grandkids around him as much as possible, family was his life. Later, when the great-grandkids were born, he loved having them play with all the junk at the antique store.  

Dick is survived by his wife of almost 70 years, Lois (Boesch) Dethloff, his daughter Kelly Reuter, Grandchildren KC (Debbie) Reuter, Shelby (Dave) Kirchner, Allegra (Chad) Davey and great-grandchildren, MacKenzie, Brooke, Reagan, Christian and Quinn Reuter, Brennan and Kennedy Kirchner and Loralie Davey. He is also survived by his in-laws Jim and Marion Boesch, Judy Golwitzer, Kathy and Garland Hendricksen, and Tom and Linda Boesch. 

He is preceded in death by his parents, son-in-law Karl Reuter, and in-laws Herky and Arlys Halverson, Merlyn and Jeanne Boesch, and Herman Gollwitzer.  

Just 47 days after her beloved husband of almost 70 years, Dick Dethloff, passed away, Lois went to her forever home on March 4, 2023. A joint funeral service for Dick and Lois will be held at 10am on Saturday, March 18, 2023 at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Amboy with visitation one hour prior to the service.