Douglas G. Vandegrift

Douglas G. Vandegrift was born in Albert Lea, MN on February 9, 1922, to Richard E. and Ruth (Wedge) Vandegrift.  Although his mother died when he was three, he lived a rich life of 91 years in the house where his father was born, on the farm his grandfather purchased in 1883.  

     Doug graduated in 1938 from Albert Lea High School, and during his life was involved with many organizations including 4-H, Farm Bureau, American Dairy Association, Toastmasters, and Rural Youth.  Dairying was the cornerstone of his life: originally in a dairy farming partnership with his father, and from 1963-2007 as Vandegrift Dairy Equipment with his son.  Customers often became valued friends.

     In 1945, Doug married Tracy Vande Kamp and together they raised six daughters and one son. Having his own family brought him great love, support, pleasure, and pride.  Doug enjoyed exploring the world with Tracy, often while visiting their children.  Grandchildren were also a treasured part of Doug’s life.  He enjoyed making and inventing things and creating special memories.  Doug shared his love of home, love of music, and joy in God’s creation with family.  Hymn sings with Doug’s harmonica and trumpet accompaniment were highlights of many family reunions. Faith, family and friendships were the treasures of his life.

     Doug and Tracy joined the United Methodist Church in 1946 and served faithfully in the local church, district, and conference, as well as on missions to Costa Rica and Antigua.  

     After 30 years of a solid marriage, the gift of a Marriage Enrichment weekend proved to be a life changing experience, bringing a love deeper than they thought possible. To share this blessing, they, together with Dorothy and Bruce Buchanan, coordinated and led countless Marriage Enrichment weekends, served on the national board of directors, and encouraged others to become leaders.  The rewards of this involvement proved to be one of the most important parts of their life together – being able to serve God and encourage married couples.

     After a tractor accident in 2008, he lived at home, and was lovingly cared for by Tracy and other caregivers.  In October 2012, Doug moved to St. John’s Nursing Home where he died peacefully on Sunday, May 19, 2013, in the presence of loved ones.

     He is survived by his wife of 68 years, Tracy, and his children, Nancy Hughes, Joan (Lowell) Johnson, Carol (Steve) Goette, Judy (John, Jr) Westrum, Pat (Steve) Preston, Kent (Rochelle) Vandegrift, and Diane (Eric) Martineau, along with his grandchildren and great grandchildren.  His brother’s children, Ruth (Alvin) Storvick, Richard (Joyce) Vandegrift, and Barbara Schow, who were an integral part of his life, all survive him.  Marie Vande Kamp, Susie Wallin, Eva (Wally) Karsjens, Sarah (John) Ekema and Vivie (Jim) Loverink (brothers and sisters-in-law) and many other family members also survive him.  

    Preceding Doug in death were his parents, and his brother Richard in WWII.   Brothers and sisters in law:  Walt Vande Kamp, Ada and Hip Mennega, Loretta and Neal Harmsen, Nell and Chuck Pauzenga, Merlin Wallin, Jim and Charlotte Vande Kamp and Gary Vande Kamp, as well as some nieces and nephews also preceded him in death.  

     His love, integrity, and influence will endure in our hearts and lives.