Bill was born in Hillsboro, Oregon, on November 13, 1946, to William and Gladys (Kuratli) Doern. He graduated from Ida B. Wells High School (formerly Woodrow Wilson High School) in 1964 and later attended the University of Oregon before serving his country in the U.S. Army from 1966 to 1969. During his service, he was stationed at the Korean Demilitarized Zone as a member of the Military Police.
In 1978, Bill earned his degree from Eastern Oregon University (formerly Eastern Oregon State College). He spent many years in La Grande, Oregon, where he served with the local police department before becoming a small business owner. From 2001 to 2021, he lived in the Tampa Bay area before returning to Oregon to be closer to his daughter.
A passionate golfer, Bill was a familiar face on the golf course and was well-known for his quick wit, sense of humor, and endless repertoire of jokes.
He is remembered by his daughter and son-in-law, Megan and Matthew Stevens of Salem, Oregon; his sister, Eileen (Ron) Tellefson of Surprise, Arizona; as well as three nephews and a niece. He was preceded in death by his parents and his sister, Elizabeth “Betty” Martin.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made to the Ascension School and Camp Scholarships Fund or the Ascension Capital Campaign, in honor of Bill’s memory on line at http://www.coveascensionschool.com
