1930 ~ 2003
Colonel Robert Milan Detweiler (USAF, retired) of Orem, Utah passed away on December 8, 2003 following complications from surgery.
Son of Milan Harrison Detweiler and Grace Ann Mitchell, he was born on July 20, 1930, in Centralia, Illinois and grew up in Zeigler, Illinois.
A man of tremendous and varied accomplishments, Bob was the true epitome of a renaissance man. Among his greatest achievements, he won an Olympic gold medal as a member of the US Naval Academy rowing team at the 1952 Olympics in Helsinki, Finland. Known as the "Great Eight," his team never lost a race and is considered the finest team in the history of the sport.
After graduation from the US Naval Academy, Bob entered the Air Force, where he flew as a pilot and later went to graduate school and became a nuclear physicist. He served with distinction for over 26 years. During his career, he received five Distinguished Flying Crosses for valor in combat as a pilot in Viet Nam and received the Legion of Merit and Distinguished Service Medal. He was honored for his research by being named "The Most Outstanding Military Scientist" in 1965. He taught at the Industrial College of the Armed Forces in Washington, DC and served as the Director of Physics at the Air Force Office of Scientific Research, also in Washington, DC.
He married Donnell Brown in 1978 in the Idaho Falls Temple.
After retiring from the Air Force, he worked as Director of Research for energy and communications at Eyring Research Institute in Provo, Utah and later taught math, history and English at the Alpine Life and Learning Center in Orem, Utah.
Bob had a great love for music and the arts. He served as chairman of the Utah County Arts Council. An accomplished concert pianist, he was a founding member of the Utah Piano Quartet. Additionally, throughout his life, he performed in numerous plays, musicals and sang with the Salt Lake Opera Company.
A convert to the LDS church, Bob served in various roles for over 25 years including bishopric counselor, high council member, temple ordinance worker, gospel doctrine teacher, young men's advisor and scout leader.
He loved the outdoors and enjoyed canoeing, skiing and camping.
Bob is survived by his wife, Donnell; his four children, Liisa, Maija (Bruce), Milan (Michelle), Emily; eight grandchildren; as well as his brother Austin Lee and sister Betty Jean Keiser. His oldest brother, Louis Mitchell, preceded him in death.
Funeral services will be held on Saturday, December 13, 2003 at 11:00 a.m. at the Cascade 5th Ward LDS Chapel, 1051 East 200 North in Orem, Utah. The family will receive friends and family on Friday evening from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Walker Sanderson Mortuary on 800 North in Orem. Interment, with full military honors, will be at the National Military Cemetery at Camp Williams.
Now cracks a noble heart. Goodnight, sweet prince; and flights of
angels sing thee to thy rest!
Anyone wishing to send condolences to the
family may visit: www.walkerfamilymortuaries.com