Ambrose Henry Denfeld

November 23, 1920 ~ March 31, 2017

Ambrose “Am” was born November 23, 1920, in Wausau, Wisconsin, to Arthur and Annabel (McDonald) Denfeld. In the mid 1930s, his parents left their Wisconsin dairy farm behind and moved their family to Portland, Oregon.

After attending Roosevelt High School, Am joined the Oregon National Guard in 1938 while also working at his family’s ice cream parlor in Portland, Oregon. There he met and fell in love with the woman he would marry, Charlott Ellen Beaty. On September 16, 1940, he entered into active service with the Army. After training at Fort Lewis in December of 1941, Am’s unit was ordered to combat duty to the Philippines, by way of Pearl Harbor. Pearl Harbor was attacked one day prior to their scheduled arrival, which required them to return to the mainland.

On Thanksgiving Day, 1942, Am married his sweetheart, Charlott, in Portland, Oregon. His unit was deployed to Europe in 1944 and he served in the 965th Field Artillery Battalion in the Invasion of Normandy and the Battle of the Bulge. He achieved the rank of Staff Sergeant, received the Good Conduct Medal, European-African-Middle Eastern Service Medal and American Defense Service Medal, and was honorably discharged in 1945.

After discharge from the Army, he went to work in the paint industry, eventually starting Denfeld Paints in Portland. In 1975, the first Denfeld Paints of Bend opened.

Am enjoyed hunting, camping, fishing, riding horses, collecting hats, the Band of Brothers gatherings, and various Veteran related outings. He was a lifelong Greenbay Packers fan and an avid Portland Trailblazers fan. On his final night with us, March 30, 2017, he said, “I’m going to watch the Blazers tonight if it’s the last thing I do.” And it was.

Ambrose is survived by his brother, Leon; his six children, Denny Denfeld of Mitchell, OR; Cathy and Randy Brusse of Carson, WA; Dale and Leslie Denfeld of Beaverton, OR; Larry and Shari Denfeld of Bend, OR; Ed and Julie Denfeld of Bend, OR; and Linda and Kris Warner of Bend, OR. 15 grandchildren, 25 great grandchildren and numerous beloved nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his wife of 72 years, Charlott; his parents, and four siblings.

A private family service will be held in Am’s honor. Memorial contributions may be made to Partners In Care Hospice, 2075 NE Wyatt Court, Bend, OR 97701.