Robert L. Deters

1947 - 2016

Robert L. Deters, M.D.

Robert L. Deters, M.D., 68, Nampa, Idaho, died Thursday, January 21, 2016 at his home.

Robert Lyle Deters was born March 11, 1947, the second of three boys, to Henry Earnest Deters, Sr. and Mildred Marion (Schild) Deters in rural Willow Lake, South Dakota. He spent his early years on the farm in South Dakota, and by the age of 12, he had decided he wanted to become a doctor. His education started in a one-room country schoolhouse, but by the time he was 16, he was taking college-level courses at a nearby Community College

He graduated Magna cum laude with a Bachelor of Science degree from Colorado State University in 1969. He then attended the University of Colorado, School of Medicine, graduating in 1973; this was followed by four years of specialty training in anatomic and clinical pathology at the University of Colorado Affiliated Hospitals in Denver, where in 1976-77 he served as Chief Resident. He continued on with an additional sub-specialty in forensic pathology, during which time he also attended the University of Colorado's law school for two years. He completed his schooling in 1979 and then worked in Denver for two years before relocating to Loveland, Colorado, where he worked as a clinical and forensic pathologist for the next 20 years. In 1981, he married Anne Williams and they resided in Drake, Colorado until they divorced.

In 1996, he married Julie A. McDonald. The couple lived in Fort Collins, Colorado. They were blessed with one son, Harrison Robert, who was born on December 6, 1999.

In 2001, Robert relocated to Park City, Utah and worked as Assistant Medical Examiner for the Utah State Medical Examiner's office. He also worked as an assistant professor of medicine for the pathology department at the University of Utah's School of Medicine. In 2009, he accepted a part-time position as the forensic pathologist for Caldwell County, Idaho, until poor health forced him into full-time retirement.

Robert had an adventuresome and sensitive soul. He was a life-long learner with many passions ranging from: hunting, fishing, & wild life conservation, to cooking & reading cookbooks, to camping & riding his Harley-Davidson in Sturgis, South Dakota. Robert enjoyed the finest of sports cars and collected a wide variety of makes & models. Robert's greatest love was for his son, Harrison, for whom he was most proud.

He is survived by his son, Harrison, Fort Collins, Colorado; older brother, Henry Deters, Jr., Socorro, New Mexico; and younger brother, Mark (Francie) Deters, Socorro, New Mexico; two nieces Mariah and Olivia Deters. A private family service has taken place. Robert was preceded in death by his parents.

We welcome you to join us for an Open House "Celebration of Life", which will take place at Ptarmigan Country Club, on Saturday, March 19, 2016, from 2-4 p.m. If you cannot attend, however, wish to share your memory of Robert, please feel free to email your stories to 126720dmj@gmail.com

Memorial contributions may be made to: Liberty Common High School, Robert L. Deters Memorial Fund, 2745 Minnesota Drive, Fort Collins, Colorado 80525