Gordon J. Dettlaff, 94, of Centralia, Wash., passed away Nov. 28, 2017, at Madigan Army Medical Center in Tacoma, Wash. He was born June 7, 1923, in Oshkosh, Wis. Gordon graduated from Oshkosh High School and completed his education at Oshkosh Business College, today the University of Wisconsin Business College.
He was raised by his uncle, professional golfer, Hank Dettlaff and he developed an early love for the game and became an avid player hitting the ball long and straight. Gordon relished the day in 1990, when he made a hole-in-one at the St. Joseph School Golf Tournament at Newaukum Valley Golf Course. His dream was to have been a professional golfer, but World War II intervened.
After WWII, he decided to continue his career as an Air Force Officer, serving tours of duty in Japan, Morocco and Spain. However, his favorite assignment was teaching ROTC at Stanford University. He retired from the Strategic Air Command Headquarters (SAC) in Omaha, Neb., in 1973. At his retirement, he was one of the first officers to be awarded and receive the Legion of Merit Medal.
After 30 years serving in the Air Force, his second career began as bank manager of then Seafirst Bank in Centralia. During his time as bank manager, Seafirst Bank became Bank of America. He enjoyed banking and all things financial. 12 years later, he retired for the second time.
After his second retirement, his avocation was maintaining and landscaping his yard. He supported The Nature Conservancy, environmental causes, the Humane Society and the Maryknoll Fathers & Brothers. He enjoyed reading about current events and world affairs, the daily newspaper, particularly the sports section and he followed golf, baseball and football in their seasons.
He fought a short, but fierce battle with cancer. His goals in life were simple, to live peacefully and purposefully according to his Catholic faith. He was a member of St. Mary Church in Centralia.
Gordon married Florence, July 6, 1944. Together, they traveled the world and were happily married for 73 years.
He is survived by his wife, Florence (95), daughter, Barbara; and Rocky, the Schnauzer. A graveside ceremony at Mountain View Cemetery will be held Friday, Dec. 8, 2017, at 1 p.m. A celebration of life will be held at a later date for friends and neighbors. Donations in Gordon’s memory may be made to the Humane Society or The Nature Conservancy.
