Douglas G. Dethlefsen

Dr. Douglas George Dethlefsen, of Rancho Palos Verdes, was born on April 21, 1923 in Watsonville, California. He was a beloved father, grandfather, uncle and friend who entered into eternal life suddenly on Tuesday, October 30, 2012 at the age of 89. Doug is preceded in death by the love of his life and wife of 44 years, Middy; and his son, Doug. He is survived by his daughter, Karen, her husband and four children; and his daughter-in-law, Cyndi and her two children. Doug grew up in Watsonville working on a farm and developing his love for apples. While in high school he enjoyed playing baseball, playing the clarinet for the orchestra, and being in the marching band. He loved playing water polo and this carried on for three generations with his son, Doug, and grandson, Nathan. He earned the highest ranking of Eagle Scout and continued to be involved with the Boy Scouts of America as a leader for many years with his son. He enjoyed surfing while in his youth. He also loved snow skiing which he continued to do until he was 82 years old. He treasured the memories of many family snow ski trips. He has been a resident of Rancho Palos Verdes for over 40 years. He was a member of Rolling Hills Covenant Church, Peninsula Breakfast Club, Grindelwald Ski Club, Bereavement Group, Relay for Life as well as a number of other organizations. He kept very busy going to seminars, taking classes, keeping up on new medical and engineering ideas, and being involved in his grandchildren's activities. He also spent a lot of time with his friends of which he has many life long, valuable friendships. He loyally served as a Lieutenant in the United States Navy for four years from 1945 to 1949. He received a Bachelor of Science Degree in 1944 and a Masters of Science Degree in Electrical Engineering in 1948, both from California Institute of Technology. He also received a Degree of Engineering from Stanford University in 1952 and his Ph.D. in Engineering from UCLA in 1973. He was involved in the Stanford Research Institute for about five years and a few years at the IBM Research Lab in San Jose, California. He worked for TRW Systems in Redondo Beach for 18 years. After working at Rockwell International for 17 years, he retired in 1991. During this time he was also a Professor at Cal State Fullerton for ten years teaching Math and Engineering courses. He married Middy on May 27, 1961 in the Wylie Chapel of the Hollywood Presbyterian Church. They met through their membership in the Sunset Young Republican Club. They enjoyed 44 years of marriage, until Middy passed away in 2006. After retirement their traveling became a special part of their lives visiting family, friends, and taking many cruises together. A visitation will be held from 4:00pm – 8:00pm on Thursday, November 15, 2012 at Green Hills Memorial Park. The funeral service will be held at 1:00pm on Friday, November 16, 2012, in the Chapel at Green Hills Memorial Park, 27501 South Western Avenue, Rancho Palos Verdes. Immediately after the service there will be a brief graveside service, followed by a reception held in Carlson Hall at Rolling Hills Covenant Church, 2221 Palos Verdes Drive North, Rolling Hills Estates. Since education meant so much to Doug, a special account has been set up for helping with the college education of his grandchildren. If desired, contributions in Doug's memory can be made by sending a check payable to Karen Douglas or Cyndi Dethlefsen to 2017 Lomita Blvd. #2059, Lomita, CA 90717.

Funeral Home:
Green Hills Mortuary and Memorial Chapel
27501 S.Western Ave.
Rancho Palos Verdes, CA
US 90275