Leslie Dean Zettergren

Les Zettergren passed away at home in Canby, Oregon from complications of Parkinson’s disease. He was 79 years old. Les was born on November 17, 1943 to Albert and Violet (nee Stefanich) Zettergren in Joliet, Illinois. He attended Joliet Central High School, and went on to earn a Bachelor’s and Master’s of Science at Southern Illinois University, as well as a PhD from Tulane University. Les met his wife Judy in graduate school at Tulane University and they married in 1970. Les was always intellectually curious about many topics, regardless of the discipline. He shared his curiosity as well as his love for science with several generations of college students through teaching and research, as well as with his daughter, Susan, and granddaughter, Avery. His mentorship of students was well known as was his love of stories. In addition to his college laboratories, Les was often affiliated with basic and biomedical research facilities in cities where he lived. Les used his on and off campus research opportunities to involve his students. Post retirement, he continued to work with students and research as an Adjunct Professor in Portland, Oregon. Les and his wife Judy loved fishing, camping and exploring in every state in which they lived. They passed that love and appreciation of the outdoors to their daughter Susan. During their retirement in Oregon, Les and Judy spent many happy days fishing together on lakes and rivers and in their canoe. Les is survived by his wife Judy Zettergren (nee Graham) of 53 years, his daughter Susan Zettergren, son-in-law Colin Carvey, and beloved granddaughter Avery Carvey. He is also survived by a brother Ronald Zettergren, a sister Judy Jones, and loving in-laws as well as numerous nieces and nephews. Les is preceded in death by his parents Albert and Violet Zettergren, his sisters Peggy Zettergren Shalakthi and Marlene Smilie, his brother Jack Zettergren, father-in-law Lloyd Graham and mother-in-law Mabel Graham. A private family gathering will occur on family land in the Columbia River Gorge, to honor and remember his warmth and humor, share his many stories and celebrate his life.