Elias Albertus Deetlefs

Dr. Elias Albertus Deetlefs, 63, died at his home in Houston, TX on April 22, 2012 from glioblastoma.

Elias was born in Stellenbosch, South Africa on January 16, 1958 to Philippus and Irene (Visser) Deetlefs, both of whom preceded him in death. He graduated from the University of Stellenbosh as a Doctor of Medicine and, after completing his mandatory South African military service, relocated to the USA, working for a period in New York, NY and Cumberland Gap, TN before finally as an emergency room physician in Houston TX for the majority of his career.

He was a kind and generous man with an insatiable quest for knowledge and a natural affinity for people, leading him to excel in his chosen field as a doctor. He was extremely well read and loved to travel, both domestically and internationally. His friends and family often reminisce about trips on which they accompanied him and his enthusiasm to explore off the beaten track and try novel foods. Elias was adventurous, climbing Kilamanjaro, fishing in the Amazon and traveling alone through several countries in South America (for which he had a special affinity). Although he never married, he enjoyed children, spending hours in the company of his nieces and nephews, as well as children of friends. He was an accomplished marathon runner, notably winning the 50-54 age group of the Houston Marathon in 2009. He also welcomed the opportunity to play golf and to fish with his friends – usually with self-deprecating humor as to his competency at these endeavors.

Elias is survived by his siblings Philip Deetlefs, Ingrid Mennen and Lorraine Smith as well as nephews and nieces.

Details for a Zoom memorial service are being planned. Please contact [email protected] for details.