Richard "Dick" Casebeer

Grand Marais

Richard “Dick” Lee Casebeer passed away at the age of 79 on January 8, 2026 in Munising, MI. He was born on July 26, 1946 in Bloomington, IN and was the first-born son of Robert and Ernestine (Klaiber) Casebeer. He began his schooling in a one-room schoolhouse in Spencer, IN near his family’s farm. Shortly after graduating from high school, Dick served in the United States Navy and was honorably discharged in June of 1976.

Dick ended up in the restaurant business with his longest stint as co-owner, along with his partner John Dettwiler, of Casey’s Restaurant and Bar in Spencer, IN. On August 1, 2013, Dick and John were married in Duluth, Minnesota at the Courthouse by Judge Heather Sweetland. They were one of the first couples legally married after the marriage equality law went into effect that same day. At the time, they had already shared 35 years together. Dick and John bought a cabin in Grand Marais, MI in the early 1980’s and moved there full-time after their house in Indiana was destroyed by fire in 2009. In Grand Marais, Dick enjoyed entertaining friends and family, remodeling his cabin into a beautiful beach house, and tilling the soil in the iris garden. He was generous with his time and money, as he was known to cater delicious meals for the women’s club and was instrumental in creating a green space in the middle of Grand Marais.

Left to cherish Dick’s memory are his spouse John Dettwiler; many in-laws; nieces and nephews; cousins; and special friends. He was preceded in death by his parents; his two brothers, Keith and Kevin; and his sister-in-law, Margaret “Meg” Dettwiler.

A celebration of Dick’s life will be held on May 23, 2026 at 2:00 p.m. at the Grand Marais Lutheran Church followed by a potluck gathering at the Grand Marais Community Center from 3:00 until 5:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the GM Helping Hands Food Pantry at the Lutheran Church or the Burt Township Schools.

John would like to thank the Grand Marais Community for all their help and support since Dick’s passing.

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