Donald Elwyn Detter, resident of Berlin, Ohio, and formerly of Commerce Township, Michigan, affectionately known as “Don,” “Donnie,” “Coach,” or “The Big D,” passed away peacefully on May 17, 2025, at the age of 83. Don entered into the arms of his Heavenly Father surrounded by love and faith.

 

Don is survived by his beloved wife of 56 years, Marcia; his brother, Rev. Daniel F. Wheeler; sister-in-law, Kathy Wheeler; nieces Patricia Wheeler and Josie Wheeler; and nephew Edward (Deanna) Wheeler. He also leaves behind grandnieces and grandnephews Eddie, Grace, Abigail, and Everett, along with many dear cousins and friends.

 

Born on June 8, 1941, in Columbus, Ohio, to Charles Detter and Margaret (Kelley) Detter, Don was the eldest of three boys. After the passing of his father, his mother remarried Edward Wheeler, and together they raised Don, Dan, and Denny (deceased).

 

Raised in the Hilltop neighborhood of Columbus, Don graduated from Aquinas College High School in 1959. He went on to study at Ohio State University and St. Mary’s of the Springs, ultimately earning a B.S. in Physical Education and Health from the University of Findlay in 1966. A lifelong learner, Don later obtained a Master’s degree in Physical Education from Eastern Michigan University in 1973 and pursued further coursework at Michigan State University, Wayne State University, Northern Michigan University, and the New England School of Athletic Training.

 

Don met the love of his life, Marcia Squier, in 1964 on a blind date arranged by mutual friends. The two were married on August 31, 1968, in Columbus, Ohio, by their cousin, Rev. Michael J. Kelly.

 

Don’s professional life reflected his passion for education and athletics. He began his career at Inkster High School in Michigan (1966–1968), teaching physical education and coaching swimming. He later joined the newly opened Power Junior High School in Farmington, Michigan, where he taught P.E. and health and coached a variety of sports, including football, wrestling, track and field, and girls’ volleyball. He also coached wrestling at Farmington High School and ran its summer swim program for many years. Though he spent most of his adult life in Michigan, Don remained a Buckeye at heart. He admired Coach Woody Hayes, proudly displaying a larger-than-life photo of him in his gym office at Power Junior High School. Don retired from his fulfilling teaching and coaching career in 1995.

 

A devout Catholic, Don was a member of St. Peter Catholic Church in Millersburg, Ohio, and previously a 55-year member of St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in White Lake, Michigan.

 

Don will be remembered as a man of unwavering faith, deep loyalty, and genuine kindness. He was someone people could always count on—an uplifting presence who brought joy, listened with care, and lived by his favorite saying: “Positive in; Positive out.”

 

Don was active in many organizations and proud to be part of the Stephen Walsh Division of the Ancient Order of Hibernians (Redford, Michigan), Moose Lodge 999 (St. Ignace, Michigan), the American and Michigan Alliances for Health, Physical Education, and Recreation, the Coast Guard Auxiliary 1106 (Paradise, Michigan), and PBJ Ministries of Plymouth, Michigan.

 

In retirement, Don embraced many passions. A talented woodworker, he and Marcia showcased their art at festivals throughout Michigan—selling his handcrafted shaker boxes and furniture alongside her Adirondack twig furniture and accessories. He loved to travel, especially to Ireland, where he joyfully connected with his Irish relatives. Summers were often spent camping and exploring the U.S., fishing lakes and streams, golfing, hiking, backpacking, and working out at the gym.

 

A funeral Mass will be held at Our Mother of Sorrows Chapel in St. Joseph Cemetery (6440 South High Street, Lockbourne, Ohio 43137) at 12 PM on Thursday, May 22, 2025, with burial to follow.

 

A memorial Mass and celebration of Don’s life will be held at a later date at his brother’s church, St. Elizabeth Catholic Church in Tecumseh, Michigan.

 

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to:

 

Ancient Order of Hibernians Building Corporation
25300 Five Mile Road
Redford Township, MI 48239

 

Vasculitis Foundation
P.O. Box 28660
Kansas City, MO 64188

 

Our Lady of Victory Catholic Church
7208 North M-28
Paradise, MI

Alexander Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.  Online condolences may be left for the family at www.alexanderfhinc.com