Global Ministries is saddened to learn of the death of Paul Detweiler

Paul Detweiler
February 16, 1926 – May 17, 2017

Dr. Paul Detweiler, 91, of Peoria, Illinois, passed away Wednesday, May 17, 2017, at OSF St. Francis Medical Center in Peoria.

Dr. Paul Detweiler was a truly unique man. He touched many lives through his medical work, as well as his generous financial support of numerous worthy causes. He was a devoted husband and father who will be fondly remembered and sorely missed by his family.

Paul was born in Peoria on February 16, 1926, to Howard and Edith (Planck) Detweiler. He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, David Detweiler; and sister, Laura Lee Arnold.

Paul is survived by his loving wife of sixty-six years, Doris (Danni) Detweiler; son, Mark (Sherri) Detweiler; granddaughter, Sandra Detweiler; nieces, Cynthia (Tom) Eaton, Wendy (Bill) Hutchison and Lorie (David) Steeples; and nephew, Major (Kalyane) Darst.

Paul served in the Navy during World War II, and remained interested in boats and boating all his life. After the war, he attended Texas Christian University, Fort Worth Texas, then medical school at the University of Illinois. He was married to Doris in 1950.

In 1958, Paul and Doris were commissioned as mission personnel by the United Christian Missionary Society (UCMS), a predecessor mission body for what today is Global Ministries. They and their infant son journeyed to India, where Paul helped found the Christian Hospital at Diptipur. They remained in India until 1963, serving the medical needs of this rural area through various means, including a mobile medical unit.

Upon returning to Peoria, Paul went to work at the Hanna Clinic and later joined the medical staff at Caterpillar, Inc. He was an active member of Glen Oak Christian Church, where his father, Howard, had been the pastor for many years. Paul also was a member of the United States Power Squadrons, a boating education organization, and served one term as the commander of the Illinois Valley chapter. Like his father, Paul was an avid fisherman all his life and enjoyed many fishing trips to Minnesota.

A memorial service for Paul Detweiler was held in the chapel at Lutheran Hillside Village, 6901 North Galena Road, Peoria, on Sunday, May 28, 2017. Condolences may be sent to son Mark Detweiler, 3980 High Street, Eugene, OR 97405. Memorial gifts may be made to Glen Oak Christian Church, 1115 East Republic Street, Peoria, IL 61603.