Francis J. Detchemendy

Francis “Dutch” Jules Detchemendy died May 15, 2023, at the age of 94. Dutch was born November 17, 1928 in St. Louis, Missouri to the late John Lewis and Stella Dorothy (Jarvis) Detchemendy.

Along with his parents, he is preceded in death by his loving wife of 63 years, Bebe (Ward) Detchemendy; his sister, Jean Malear and brother-in-law, Art Malear.

He is survived by his daughter, Mary Jean Detchemendy of Cornelius, NC; son and daughter-in-law, John and Nagisa Detchemendy of Benson, NC; son and daughter-in-law, Thomas and Kathy Detchemendy of Knoxville, TN; grandchildren, John Detchemendy, Nicole May, Laken Detchemendy, Kassie Detchemendy, Thomas Detchemendy, Kent Degnan, Denise Degnan, Kelly Degnan; and several great-grandchildren and nieces.

Dutch grew up in New Kensington, PA but lived throughout the USA. After he married Bea, they lived in Tullahoma, TN; Louisville, KY; Baltimore, MD; and Doraville, GA. They spent most of their married life raising their four children in Lynchburg, VA before moving to Lake Norman in Cornelius, NC in 1987.

Dutch received his Bachelor of Business Administration, in 1952, from the University of Cincinnati and his Master of Business Administration, in 1975, from Lynchburg College. He also served in the US Air Force during the Korean War and retired as a Captain in 1968. After his military career, Dutch worked as District Sales Manager for NCR Corporation and Burroughs Corporation. Later, he owned and operated a country western bar before entering the career he truly loved, real estate.

Dutch loved selling real estate. He was a very successful real estate broker in the Lake Norman area of North Carolina. His family, friends, and clients fondly remembered his smile and moto “Thanks a Million”.

In their spare time, Dutch and wife Bea enjoyed square dancing, bible study, and spending time with their grandchildren. They loved living on Lake Norman and spent many hours on the screened porch enjoying the view. No memorial service will be held. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children’s Hospital or Novant Health Hospice in honor of Dutch.

Arrangements are in the care of Raymer-Kepner Funeral Home. Please share your condolences at www.KepnerFH.com.