David D. Dettman, lovingly known as Dave, age 75, passed away on Friday, February 6, 2026, surrounded by the love of his family. Born on September 18, 1950, in Sterling, Illinois. Dave was the son of Lloyd Dettman and Irene (Babel) Dettman.
Dave was preceded in death by his parents; his older brother, Dennis “Denny” Dettman (survived by his wife Debbie and children); and his younger sister, Dennice Dettman Rohrbaugh (survived by her children). He is survived by his brothers Dana Dettman and Dann Dettman (wife Karen, and two children, one predeceased).
Dave was formerly married to Darlene (née Krausch), with whom he shared two children.
He was a devoted father to his daughter Candice Suter (née Dettman) and her husband Mike Suter, and his son Jason Dettman and his wife Krystal Dettman (née Berry). He was a proud and loving grandfather to Gavin Suter (wife Annie), Alyssa Suter (fiancé Axel Creed), Destiny, Aliya, Breana, Cylie, and Damian Dettman (Jayden), and a cherished great-grandfather to Aurora Dettman.
Dave had a deep love for life and the people in it. He enjoyed sports, sharing beers with friends, and taking memorable golf trips. In his younger years, he was an avid hunter and fisherman. A lifelong car enthusiast and brilliant mechanic, Dave had a special fondness for his 1955 Chevy and 1963 Corvette, vehicles that reflected both his passion and skill. He cherished his independence and sense of freedom, and some of his fondest memories were made traveling across the country on Route 66.
Giving back was important to Dave. He volunteered with blind children at the Delta Gamma Center for well over a decade, quietly making a lasting difference in many young lives.
Before attending college, Dave raced cars and served as a head mechanic for major racing events. He later graduated from Southern Illinois University with a Bachelor of Science in Business Management and an Associate Degree in Automotive Technology. His love of teaching and mentoring led him to serve as an Instructor at SIU, and later as an Associate Professor and Program Coordinator for Diesel Technology at St. Louis Community College, where he proudly started the diesel automotive technology program.
After college, Dave worked at Feld/Gelco Trucking, where he formed lifelong friendships with John Sullivan, Bud Lehman, Joe Albert, and Lynn Fanning. Along the way, he made many other meaningful friendships, including Rich Lamar, Al Brinkman and countless others. His ability to connect with people was one of his greatest gifts. Earlier in life, he was elected Senior Class President at Sterling High School, reflecting leadership qualities he carried throughout his life.
Professionally, Dave was Owner and President of Transportation Consultants of America, where he also served as Director of Operations, providing fleet management and consulting services throughout his career. Earlier roles included Fleet Operations Manager at Lohr Distributing in the early 1980s, a position he left after opening his own shop in St. Louis as his business quickly grew and demanded his full attention.
Dave had an undeniable passion for work. He took great pride in everything he did and instilled a strong work ethic in his children and those he mentored. He was known as the “coolest” grandpa, brother, uncle, and friend, with a great sense of humor, a nonjudgmental spirit, and always ready with the very best stories.
Dave lived a good life, rich in purpose, laughter, hard work, and love. He will be deeply missed and forever remembered by all who knew him.