Robert Charles Doerpinghaus

Robert Charles “Bob” Doerpinghaus passed peacefully the morning of Saturday, August 25, 2012. He graced us with 88 full years; Dad would insist it was only 32,381 days, each a 'birthday' opportunity to celebrate. Bob and his beloved wife, Jean Marie Gold, enjoyed 52 wonderful years of marriage, and were blessed with 8 beautiful children and 6 grandchildren. Bless his heart!

He is survived by his beloved wife, 7 children, 3 granddaughters, 3 grandsons, 2 sisters, and a myriad of extended family and friends. He was predeceased by his parents, his brother Johnny, his first wife Betty Ludes and his eldest child Gail.

Born on a small farm in Altus, Arkansas to Josephine and Theodore in 1923, Bob was the oldest of four. His sisters Mildred and Betty live in Altus, Ark. and Ridgefield, Wash. respectively. Bob had many chores on the family farm, and as a high school student he also worked as the official Wine Maker at his grandmother's winery – Mary's Winery.

Upon graduation from the University of Oklahoma, the first of his family to even attend college, Bob joined the Navy to see the World; and he did. He was stationed in French Morocco, Taiwan and various bases throughout the United States. Bob proudly served his country for 46 years: first, in the US Navy Civil Engineers Corps (SEABEE's), retiring at the rank of Commander; and following that with distinguished service as a Civil Engineer with the Department of Defense. All said, he really saw the world on his official military inspection tours post-WWII as a Naval Officer, and again as a civilian with the IG (Inspector General) tours throughout Europe and Asia.

During his travels, Bob was privileged to have had many exciting opportunities, including meeting and working with high ranking officials and dignitaries throughout the world; among them, Pope Pious XII and Madame Chaing Kai-Shek. Active in his local parish, Queen of Angels Catholic Church, Bob supervised and trained altar servers for more than 10 years. Bob also served on the parish's finance committee, as well as Head Sacristan for a number of years.

In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting that donations be made to a Hospice of your choice in Bob's name. A Memorial Mass will be held at 11 AM this Friday, August 31, 2012 at Queen of Angels Catholic Church, 209 West 11th Street, Port Angeles, Washington 98362

Funeral Services will be held at Arlington National Cemetery, March 14, 2013 at 10:45am.

For directions please see: http://www.arlingtoncemetery.mil/VisitorInformation/Directions.aspx