Melvin "Bud" F. Detsch

Melvin “Bud” F. Detsch, 93, of Silver Creek Terrace and formerly of 631 Sherry Road, St. Marys, passed away Saturday, April 22, 2023 at Penn Highlands Elk following a brief illness with his family by his side.

He was born July 4, 1929, in St. Marys, son of the late John and Clara Prechtl Detsch. He was a lifelong resident of the area and a graduate of Central Catholic High School, Class of 1947.

Bud was proud of many things but the most important to him were his family, his service to his country, and his faith. On May 3, 1958, in the St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Bud married the late Mary “Barbara” Meyer. Together, they built their forever home, started their family, and shared 64 years of marriage together. Barb preceded him in death on August 27, 2022. He was a member of the Pennsylvania National Guard and served in the United States Army starting in 1948 until 1961 achieving the rank of 1^st Lieutenant serving on Battalion staff. Bud was also a man of faith, drawing on his strong faith in God throughout his life and raising his family in the Catholic tradition.

Bud was a well know businessman servicing the St Marys community for 65+ years. He was a partner in business at Detsch’s Garage, Detsch Bus Lines, and Detsch Brothers Car Mart with his brother Dick, then with his son Dan until his retirement. Whether it be driving a bus, selling a car, fixing a car, or handling the various Notary work, he had a strong work ethic as was evident by your finding him working at the garage usually 6 days a week.  He was a 50+ year member of the Knights of Columbus, American Legion and Camp Owners. He enjoyed travelling with his wife and friends, spending time with his family, and later in life, working his puzzles.

Bud is survived by his daughter, Deborah Ann Wagner (Jack) of Altoona; two sons, Daniel Detsch (Lisa) and Thomas Detsch (Amy) both of St. Marys; eight grandchildren: Jeremy Detsch, Emily St. Andrews (Pat), Kelsey Gerber (Joe), Kyle Detsch, Kara Detsch, Taylor Riley (Sean), Abby Wagner, and Tyler Wagner; four great-grandchildren: Grayson and Hudson Gerber and Averie and Jordan Riley; and a sister, Theresa Shanahan of Buffalo, NY.

Along with his wife and parents, Bud was preceded in death by six sisters: Helen Fellows, Kathleen Steffy, Bernice Fodge, Leona Steislinger, Jean Schlimm, and Mary Neilson; and three brothers: Richard, Clarence, and Paul Detsch.

Family and friends are invited to attend a Mass of Christian Burial in the St. Mary’s Catholic Church on April 26, 2023 at 10:00 AM, with the Rev. Thomas More Sikora, OSB, Pastor, officiating. Full military honors will be accorded by the St. Mary’s Servicemen’s Burial Detail. Burial will follow in the St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery.

There will be no visitation.

Memorials, if desired, may be made to the St. Mary’s Catholic Church, 315 Church Street, St. Mary’s, PA 15857, or the Elk County Catholic School System, 600 Maurus Street, St. Marys, PA 15857.