Douglas Wierenga

Douglas Wierenga passed away surrounded by the love of his family, leaving behind a lifetime of memories, laughter, and unwavering devotion to those he cared for most.

Doug was preceded in death by his beloved mother, Velma, and his father, Sam Wierenga. He is survived by his sister, Gail Barron; his daughters, Kristy Myers-Boland and Kathy Thompson; his son, Keith Myers; eight grandchildren; ten great-grandchildren, with two more expected in the coming months; along with numerous cousins, extended family members, and dear friends who will forever cherish his memory.

Doug was a man who found joy in life’s simple and meaningful moments. He loved hunting, fishing, camping, watching NASCAR, and sitting outside for hours enjoying the birds and squirrels that gathered around the many feeders he kept stocked. He was an avid reader who especially loved Sherlock Holmes novels and books about the history of our country. Through every season, good or bad, he remained a faithful Minnesota Twins fan.

Some of Doug’s favorite memories were made outdoors with the people he loved most, fishing trips with his children when they were young, hunting alongside his cousin Monte Horn, and spending time with his cousins Gary Philips and Bonnie Philips-Snyder. Those moments became stories that would be told and laughed about for years.

Doug worked throughout his life with dedication and pride, building a career at Morrells and later Cigna before retiring. Beyond his career, he believed in service to his community, volunteering with Civil Defense and remaining an active member of the local VFW.

Anyone who knew Doug knew he carried a good heart and a great sense of humor. He had a way of making people smile, often with his favorite response whenever anyone asked what he wanted for a birthday, Christmas, or any special occasion:“Two shots and a beer.”That phrase captured Doug perfectly; simple, honest, humorous, and impossible to forget.

More than anything, Doug loved his family. He took pride in watching his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren grow, and he treasured every chance to spend time together. His presence brought comfort, laughter, and strength to those around him.

Though our hearts are heavy with loss, we take comfort knowing Doug’s legacy lives on in the stories he shared, the lessons he taught, the traditions he passed down, and the love he gave so freely.

An elegy for Doug could not simply mourn his passing without celebrating the life he truly lived. He was the kind of man who appreciated the outdoors, remained loyal to the people and teams he loved, and understood that life was best spent with family nearby and laughter close at hand. His chair may now sit empty, the bird feeders a little quieter, and the fishing lines still, but his spirit remains woven into every memory he leaves behind.

He will be deeply missed, forever loved, and never forgotten.