Manchester High School Alumni Update: Cheryl Dettling Bauer, Class of 1977

Cheryl Dettling Bauer, Class of 1977. Photo courtesy of Carol Westfall.

Submitted by Carol Westfall,
Manchester High School Alumni Association

Cheryl Dettling Bauer is a proud product of our Manchester schools and the Manchester community. The daughter of Charlie and Jan Dettling (both now deceased), Cheryl grew up in a large family of Dettling siblings – Curt, Joe, Debbie, Bruce, Cathy (deceased), and Jill – and graduated from MHS in 1977.

Currently a licensed insurance agent for Aflac, Cheryl’s career path started while still in high school when one of her teachers, Mrs. Wise, approached Cheryl about a possible job with Van Conversions, Inc., in Ann Arbor. Chery had just gotten her driver’s license but had no car. Her dad took her to the interview and told her he’d help get her a car if she got the job. She did get the job and true to his word, she soon had a car. That first job lasted about four years and allowed Cheryl to work in many areas of the business: Fielding phone calls, filing, payroll, sewing cushions, bolsters and curtains for the vans, and even picking up and delivering vans.

Her next career stop was at O&W, Inc., a Strohs and Miller beer distributor in Ann Arbor. She was there about nine years and had responsibilities like data entry, balancing of daily sales and inventory, serving as systems operator, and responsibility for all computer operations, daily, monthly and annual reporting. O&W helped upgrade her skills by sending Cheryl for additional computer programming training to IBM and Washtenaw Community College.

University Microfilms (later called UMI, Bell and Howell, or ProQuest) in Ann Arbor was Cheryl’s next career stop. She was hired as a computer operator and after two years, transferred to customer service. She was then promoted to a special projects lead for the development and implementation of the ProQuest internet research system. Seven years into her job, Cheryl accepted a position as Human Resources Administrator and was then promoted to Administrative Assistant to the V.P. of Human Resources. In 2002, after 12 years with the company, Chery’s job was unexpectedly eliminated.

But she was not unemployed for long. While attending a job fair, an Aflac representative was intrigued with Cheryl’s background and varied work experiences. He quickly scheduled an interview with company representatives, and the rest is history. For over 15 years Cheryl has worked with Aflac, a company specializing in supplemental insurance (ie, disability, accident, life, medical, and more). She is licensed in seven states and is self-employed, working out of a home office but reporting into the Aflac Regional Office in Ann Arbor.

Cheryl has been repeatedly recognized by Aflac for her successes and has won numerous awards, plaques, bonuses, and trips that acknowledge her stellar accomplishments with the company. As her business became busier and busier, Cheryl soon needed help. She didn’t have to look far. Her daughter Elizabeth is now a licensed insurance agent in Aflac’s Ann Arbor regional office and works closely with Cheryl.

Speaking of family … In 1979 Cheryl married another MHS alum – David Bauer, Class of 1976 – who is a mechanical engineer with Hines Industries in Ann Arbor. In addition to their daughter Elizabeth, they have a son, Jacob. Jacob did two tours of duty in Iraq with the U.S. Army and upon returning, joined the Army Reserves. He was recently promoted to Sergeant First Class and works as a civilian for the Army Reserves in Ann Arbor.

Since her MHS graduation, Cheryl and her family have lived in Chelsea, Manchester, Tecumseh, and now, Clinton. Three years ago, she and David purchased the Bauer family farmhouse on Clinton Rd., which is where they reside today – still close to Manchester, where they attend St. Mary’s Catholic Church. In the little spare time she has, Cheryl enjoys reading and last year, put in her first real garden, reaping the garden’s benefits this winter with homegrown produce and homemade salsa. Perhaps her most fun hobby, however, is riding motorcycles. Cheryl and David enjoy their Harley trips, especially when they include other family members like her brother Bruce (MHS Class of 1978) and sister Jill (MHS Class of 1981), along with their spouses.

Cheryl credits her career successes to her time at MHS and her supportive family. She played clarinet in the MHS band and pep band, served as assistant band leader, and was awarded the John Phillip Sousa Award. She was also a JV and Varsity cheerleader and on the Visage staff. She believes all those activities, along with her education, helped refine her skills in working with deadlines and working in teams. “Almost all things in life require you to work well with others – from your spouse to co-workers, to your kids, etc.  You don’t always get your way, so there must be teamwork and cooperation in almost everything you do.”

All the while, her parents encouraged her to always work hard and do your best. Cheryl grew up in a large Catholic family with close ties to grandparents, cousins, aunts and uncles. “That really teaches you about looking out and caring for others.  We all had to help with gardening, lawn mowing, laundry, hauling and stacking wood, etc.” Cheryl’s parents always said, “If you’re going to do a job, do it right, and always leave things better than you found them.” That’s how Cheryl Bauer, MHS Class of 1977, has tried to live her life.

Cheryl will be representing the Class of 1977 at the MHS Alumni Banquet on June 17th. Our Alumni Association is dedicated to celebrating the MHS alumni history and supporting our future alumni through scholarships and encouragement. For additional information about the Manchester High School Alumni Association, its June 17th Alumni Banquet, or the MHS Scholarship Fund, go to mhsdutchalumni@yahoo.com or call Carol Westfall at 734-428-0530.

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by Sara Swanson

Sara Swanson is an editor, writer and founder of the Manchester Mirror.