Louis "Lou" Dersch, 75, of Bend, OR passed away on Monday, Nov. 28, 2022 at Hospice House in Bend, OR. Lou was born on January 21, 1947 in Evansville, IN to the late Louis Dersch and Elizabeth (Acker) Dersch. He graduated from Evansville Day School, University of Evansville, and Purdue University. A quote from Aldo Leopold sums up Lou's life. "There are some who can live without wild things, and some who cannot." Lou was one who could not. Lou's career as an entomologist, passion for the outdoors and love of his family took him from the Great Smoky Mountains National Park in Tennessee, to Bend, OR and many places in between. Each place he enjoyed his hobbies of collecting beetles, hunting, fishing, hiking, and camping.

Lou is survived by his wife of 52 years Kathleen "Kate" (Sotolongo) Dersch of Bend, OR; daughter, Barbara Dersch and son Louis Dersch (Lindsey); grandchildren, Jackson and Henry Milum, and Caroline, Catherine, and Charlotte Dersch.

The family will celebrate his life with a private gathering.

Memorial contributions may be made to Western Watersheds Project, P.O. Box 1770, Hailey, ID 83333 or at westernwatersheds.org or to the Alzheimer's Organization.