William Roy DeMaree

Dr. William Roy DeMaree, Jr., 79, passed away peacefully surrounded by family on August 29, 2021 at the Dobson Home-Hospice of the Valley in Chandler, Arizona.

William was a Professor of Sociology at the University of Minnesota-Mankato for 37 years.  When he retired in 2004, he moved to Arizona to enjoy the milder weather. He enjoyed traveling, photography, films, music, and cars.

His is survived by his loving wife of 18 years, Leila Agnes Dandasan-DeMaree, and stepson, Lawrence Short; three daughters, Lisa (Tim) Stromer of Good Thunder, MN, Michele (Brad) Harvey of Colorado Springs, CO, and Kinh Demaree of Phoenix, AZ.  He is also survived by his grandchildren: Stephanie, Rachel, Grace, Sarah, Noah, Anna, Jacob, Abigail, and Alexandria, as well as three great-grandchildren; Evelyn, Izabella, and Vivian.

William was preceded in death by his parents, William R. Demaree, Sr., and Edna D. Demaree; his brother, Joe Russell, and an infant son, Michael Eric DeMaree.

William’s ashes will be laid to rest at Gilbert Memorial Park Cemetery in Gilbert, Arizona.