Obituary of Roger Detering

Roger Leland Detering of Harrisburg died on June 9th, 2012 due to a heart attack. He was born on May 19th, 1934, in Eugene, Oregon to Gerald and Marie Detering. He graduated from Harrisburg High School in 1952. He graduated from Oregon State University in Corvallis, OR with a BS in Agriculture. He managed the family farm that was started by his parents, who made Detering's famous by being one of the first to risk raising peaches in the Willamette Valley. Roger married his high school sweetheart, Sharon Lavon Sittser on August 11, 1956. They were King and Queen of the High School Carnival in their early years as a couple, and most recently the Grand Marshalls of the Harrisburg July 4th celebration. They spent 55 happy years together. Roger was recognized by all patrons as they visited Detering Orchards. He was always outfitted in his trademark red hat, blue denim shirt and red suspenders that were holding up his blue jeans after he dropped his winter twenty. Roger operated the Detering Orchards family business. He was the backbone of the operation. He created an atmosphere on the farm for many area high school students to learn about hard, wholesome work. They included his children, grandchildren, nieces and nephews and other family friends such as the Grahams, Besaws, etc. He had a loving smile and the gift of generosity, endurance, stability and kindness. Roger was the patriarch of the Detering family. Roger was a devoted Dad who was always there for his children and grandchildren. His life revolved unselfishly around the farm and family. Roger rarely stopped to take time for himself, truly living out the servant lifestyle of his Creator. He found education to be one of the most important gifts he could give his children and always encouraged them to learn. He also served on elementary and high school boards and has been a member on the OSU Agricultural Research Foundation Board. He even extended this love for education by hosting children from the Eugene-Springfield area schools to tour the farm. Roger talked to kids about how apples are grown, apple cider is made, and let them each pick a pumpkin to take home. His favorite place to be was on the farm either visiting with his customers and employees or checking the crops. The local media looked to Roger as a "go to" authority regarding agricultural news stories. Roger is survived by his children: Greig Detering, Diane Detering-Paddison & son-in-law Chris Paddison, Becky Detering & son-in-law Kyle Bliffert, and Mark Detering; and his eight grandchildren: Andrew Detering, Tayler Detering-Blackman, Christian and Annie Tucker, Rose and Gus Paddison, Ken & Jack Detering. He is also survived by his brother Stanley Detering; sisters: Geraldine Githens and Dorothy Detering, and by many family and friends in and around the Harrisburg, OR area. Remembrances can be sent to the youth fund at Harrisburg Christian Church at 601 Smith Street, Harrisburg, OR 75446, or the Roger and Sharon Detering OSU Agricultural Fund, OSU Foundation, 850 SW 35th Street, Corvallis, OR 97333-4015.Please sign the guest book at www.registerguard.com/legacy A Celebration of his Life will be held in Harrisburg at the Harrisburg Christian Church on June 15th, 2012 at 11:00. For more information contact Twila Buhler at 541-995-6723.