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William M. (Bill), 79, died at home Friday, December 8, 2000, surrounded by his family. He was born November 4, 1921 in S. India to Harriet Stimmel and Carl Oberdorfer who were serving as Lutheran missionaries. He married Ruth Disbro in 1946 and returned to India where he pursued missionary work for another thirteen years. Upon returning to the U.S. in 1959, he began the second phase of his career life in construction supervision, acoustic design and architecture. HE worked with Krueger, Lake, Hutchinson and Brown here in Albuquerque from 1979 until his retirement. He then volunteered with Habitat for Humanity, Master Gardeners, Literacy Volunteers of America and tutoring in the public schools. He was an avid learner with an insatiable thirst for knowledge. He knew eight languages, had a private pilot's license, loved music and fishing, but could never be accused of depleting a river of fish. He is preceded in death by his wife, Ruth in 1984; a brother, Luther; and a sister, Ruth. He is survived by his five children, David and wife, Rene of Leawood, KS, Linda Ross and husband, Jim of Santa Fe, Becky Wittenburg and husband, Rich of Albuquerque, Bob and wife, Linda of Albuquerque, Cheri Stromberg and husband, Jim of Albuquerque; and 15 grandchildren. He is also survived by a sister, Margaret Verner and husband, Hugh of Montreat, NC; brother, Don Oberdorfer and wife, Betchen of Roseville, MN; sister-in-law, Better Oberdorfer of Akron, OH; and many nieces, nephews, friends and"sisters and his cousins whom he reckoned up by dozens and his aunts." (Apologies to Gilbert and Sullivan, whom he loved.) Memorial service to be held at 3:00 p.m. on Monday, December 11, 2000 at Holy Cross Lutheran Church, 6901 Wyoming NE. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions be made to the Bill Oberdorfer Memorial Fund c/o 5737 Lost Dutchman NE, Albq. NM 87111 to be used to support orphanages in Guatemala and India. Direct Funeral Services, 343-8008, 2919 4th NW.
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