William Henry “Bill” Deters, Jr., age 96, of Quincy died on September 24, 2021 at home surrounded by his family. He was born on June 17, 1925 in Quincy, the son of William H. and Helen E. (Timpe) Deters.

Bill married Ruth Ann (Bohne) Deters on September 4, 1946 in St. John Catholic Church in Quincy. She preceded him in death on March 22, 2021.

He attended St. Mary’s grade school and Notre Dame High School. As a teenager he and his brother invented and got a U.S. patent for a mobile in-field bale loader.

Bill retired from his life’s work at the family’s dairy business. He was co-owner of Deters All-Star Dairy along with his brothers and sister. In addition to managing the farms, he delivered milk door to door, worked in the dairy stores and served as President of the company. He was elected to serve as a trustee of Melrose Township and served on various committees in the community.

He was a member of St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church. Together with his wife, he enjoyed researching the Underground Railroad. He was a former member of the Tri-State Civil War Roundtable serving as President during his membership. He was an avid St. Louis Cardinal fan and enjoyed attending or watching any baseball games. He also reminisced about meeting Babe Ruth and getting his autograph. He was devoted to Ruth, his wife and love of his life, for 74 years. Bill cared for her during her illness in her final years.

Bill is survived by his children, Raymond (Trudy) Deters, Richard (Beth) Deters, Ellen (Larry) Waters, Ann (Joe) Vogel, Bill (Cindy) Deters III, Michael (Judy) Deters, Dr. Gerri (Roger) Buss, Kathryn (Mike) Waters, Susan (Byron) Saathoff, Mark (Chris) Deters, and Gregory (Laura) Deters.
His grandchildren, Kitchell Deters, Bryant (Kyle) Deters, Corey (Kim) Deters, Kelsey (Brodie) Deters, Yvonne (Chuck) Vogel, Brandon (Shannon) Waters, Joe (Erin) Vogel, Jenny (Scott) Venvertloh, Eileen (Bobby) Malone, Jason (Mindy) Deters, Alicia (Jaymee) Duncan, Adam (Amy) Buss, Alex Buss, Austin (Danielle) Buss, Evan (Molly) Waters, Laura (Zach) Reichert, Hope Saathoff, Summer Saathoff, Katherine Deters, Natalie Deters, Meg Deters, Maia Deters, and Will Deters.
His great grandchildren, James Deters, Kinleigh Deters, Kamryn Deters, Skylar Vogel, Charly Vogel, Camryn Waters, Wyatt Waters, Jess (Taylor) Duncan, Morgan Vogel, Logan Venvertloh, Lance Venvertloh, Cortlynne Malone, Ryker Malone, Madison Deters, Quinn Duncan, Caleb Buss, Addison Buss, Lucas Reichert and two step great granddaughters, Kaley (Dave) Babcock and Taylor (Taylor) Shaw and two step great-great grandchildren.
His sister, Norma Weiman of Quincy, IL; a sister-in-law, Dorothy Deters of Quincy, IL. Numerous nieces and nephews also survive.

Bill was preceded in death by his parents, wife, six brothers, Fabian, Marcellus “Marce”, Alvin “Whitey”, Robert, and Richard (age 6) Deters and several brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law.

Funeral services will be held on Monday, October 4, 2021. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 a.m. in St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church. Interment will follow in St. Anthony Cemetery.

Visitation will be held on Sunday from 2:00 to 5:00 p.m. at the funeral home.
Memorials may be made to the William H. Deters, Jr. Agriculture Scholarship or the Ruth A. Deters CNA Scholarship, both at John Wood Community College.