William Detlefsen Obituary

In Memory of a Life Well Lived
Springfield, OR - William "Bill" Detlefsen, Ph.D., age 78, passed away peacefully in his sleep while enjoying an afternoon nap in front of his TV-something he had really come to enjoy during this past decade of his golden years, since his first round of sepsis back in early 2013. But before that...
Upon graduation from the University of Idaho, Bill began his adult life as a 1st Lieutenant in the US Army Infantry, Armored Division, as platoon leader and Executive Officer, then as Company Commander of an armored tank company, while serving in Germany.
In his professional life, after receiviing his Ph.D. in Organic Chemistry from the University of Oregon, he rose to the level of Director of Research and Development, Borden Chemical, North American Resins Division. He was a member of 5 different professional associations (including the American Chemical Society, etc.) and served on the Research Advisory Boards for two universities (Virginia Polytechnic Institute and Mississippi State University Research Advisory Boards) and one industry board (United Soybean Board Technical Advisory Committee).
Bill rarely shared about his work with others, but he was brilliantly intelligent, as is evidenced by the 55 publications and patents with which his work and name is associated.
He was also known by his family and colleagues to have a razor-sharp wit, to be a lover of practical jokes. He had an earthy sense of humor that would have everyone laughing almost as loudly as he did. His laugh was unmistakable and could be heard reverberating throughout the halls wherever he was. It was loud, merry, joyous, and absolutely contagious.
During his working years he enjoyed his colleagues' friendships immensely. In addition to all the time spent at work together, he enjoyed the personal time golfing or heading to a nearby pub to just celebrate life with them.
Physical exercise was just part of who he was as a person. He loved movement; running, super-long walks daily, bicycling, weights and strength training.
He had been considered by his food & wine-loving gourmet cooking group to be an outstanding and passionate cook. He approached any new recipe with energy, excitement and anticipation.
Bill was a voracious reader his whole life, especially on the topics of the sciences, history, botany, and all things bacteria/viruses/parasites/amoebae. His last read is still on his bedside table: Wilderness Warrior (Theodore Roosevelt and the Crusade for America) by Douglas Brinkley.
After retirement, he achieved his Master Gardener designation from the Oregon State University Extension Service, and the thing he loved the most was studying all manner of plant diseases. He led classes on that topic, as well as composting instruction.
And he loved animals! All animals, but especially cats. And cats loved him. If he sat, a cat would jump onto his lap. He was the best cat daddy ever - to the end.
Those who loved Bill say that his full, no-holding-back hugs not only made them feel loved, they made them feel safe and truly valued.
Bill is survived by two treasured daughters, Erika Couey (Bryan) and Whitney Grant (Adam), a valued step-daughter, Judith Epstein (Mika), and his beloved wife of almost 43 years, Melba. He also leaves behind his precious grandsons: Alexander Detlefsen; Kade, Ethan, and Garrett Couey; and Brock Grant-each of whom he was so truly proud. He is also survived by his first wife and loving mother of his children, Dianna Moser (Richard). His family of cousins from Nebraska and his large number of nieces and nephews will also be among those who will feel this loss. Whatever he was called - Bill/Dad/Grampa Bill, Uncle Bill - it was spoken with love by his family.
He was preceded in death-far too soon-by his beloved son Mick (Michael) Detlefsen, (Yon), his brother, Mic (Professor Michael) Detlefsen, (Martha), and by his parents, William Sr. and Janette Detlefsen.
He will also be missed by many personal friends, including his professional career and university colleagues with whom he spent so much time in fun as well as work.
He showed us all, by example, how to strive to be our best, to laugh freely, to love with all our hearts, and that there's no shame in falling asleep with the History Channel on. He will be missed more than words can say.
If you choose to honor Bill, make it a gesture meaningful to you. You might take a long walk, read a good book, plant something beautiful, save an animal, give to any charity that is important to you, make a recipe you've always wanted to try, or just laugh-loudly and without apology. And remember.
To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of William "Bill", please visit our floral store.