Douglas “Doug” Harry Hoaglund was born on March 20, 1954, to Elmer Marshall and Delores Mildred (Boock) Hoaglund. Doug spent his youth in Holstein, Iowa, where he graduated from Holstein High School in 1972.
After high school, Doug enlisted in the United States Navy where he proudly served his country from 1972 to 1976. Stationed at Pearl Harbor in Hawaii, he participated in escort assignments in the Western Pacific Ocean and the South China Sea on the USS Davidson which included stops in Japan, the Philippines, Korea, Hong Kong, and Guam. Some of his fondest memories were during his time serving and he often said he would “do it again in a minute.”
Upon Naval discharge, he met Cynthia “Cindy” Voss. They were united in marriage on May 25, 1979. Together, they built a family and were blessed with six children: Heather, Crystal, Melissa, Naethan, Kaitlin, and Michael.
Doug was on the workforce team at Holstein Lumber for a number of years where he built banks in Nebraska with his dad, among other projects. He attended Western Iowa Tech for electrical, HVAC, and Energy Management while working at Payless Cashway. Doug and family moved to Hartley in 1988, when he took a job at Burley’s Appliance where he worked for several years. Doug worked in the maintenance department at Northwest Iowa Community College where he met many great people, retiring in 2020.
Doug was deeply involved in his community, dedicating 25 years of service to the Hartley Fire Department, an accomplishment he was very proud of. He also contributed his time as a member of the Hartley City Council and was a member of the American Legion.
Known for his sense of humor and ability to talk to anyone, Doug could always bring a smile to those around him. He was quick-witted and always had a comeback to go along with his many jokes. He found great joy in the outdoors including fishing, camping, hunting, working in his garden, and mowing the lawn. He loved cheering on the Iowa Hawkeyes, tinkering with various projects, and attending his children’s and grandchildren’s activities. Above all, he treasured spending time with his family and his dog, Duke, creating endless memories.
Doug passed away at the Community Memorial Health Center in Hartley on June 3, 2024 at the age of 70.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Elmer and Delores Hoaglund; his in-laws, Don and Marilyn Voss; his brother, Dennis Hoaglund; his brothers-in-law: Chuck Murphy, Ivan Wooster, and William Voss.
Doug is survived by his wife, Cindy; his children: Heather Hoaglund, Crystal (Brandon) Dolphin, Melissa (Michael) Murphy, Naethan (Morgan) Hoaglund, Kaitlin (Heath) Nagel, and Michael (Ariel Hellmann) Hoaglund; 13 grandchildren; one great-grandchild; his sister, Diane Murphy, many relatives and countless friends. His legacy of love, sense of humor, and kindness will live on in the hearts of all who knew him.
Visitation and Fellowship was held June 14 at Hartley Funeral Home, Hartley, Iowa with Military Rites conducted by Arthur W. Kirchhoff Post #288 of Hartley, Iowa
There will be no formal funeral service. Burial will take place at a later date.
Honorary Pallbearers are Jayna Dolphin, Tyler Dolphin, Carter Dolphin, Kynlee Dolphin, Hayden Dolphin, Owen Murphy, Maddox Dolphin, Averie Nagel, Hank Murphy, Kate Murphy, Lauren Dolphin, Leo Dolphin, Truman Hoaglund and Lincoln Hoaglund.
A Celebration of Life is planned for Saturday, August 10, 2024, in the lodge at Gull Point State Park, Wahpeton, Iowa from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.; meal provided.
In lieu of flowers, memorials given in Doug’s name may be directed to the Hartley Fire Department.
Sanborn and Hartley Funeral Homes in charge of arrangements.