Douglas Lee Van Buren
November 26, 1948 - June 28, 2018
Obituary
LODI-Douglas L. Van Buren, age 69, of Lodi, passed away on Thursday, June 28, 2018 after a courageous battle with pancreatic cancer. He was born on Nov. 26, 1948, in Beaver Dam, Wis., the son of Jacob and Dorothy (Thurk) Van Buren.He married Rosemary (Spiegler) Van Buren on April 5, 1969 in Ripon, Wis. Douglas graduated from Rosendale High School, Northwestern University Traffic Institute and Cardinal Stritch University. Douglas worked as a Wisconsin State Trooper starting in 1971 and retired as the Superintendent in 2003, with 32 years of dedicated service to his home state.He was a humble man who preferred a simple life on the lake. An avid crossword puzzle enthusiast, he loved a good mental challenge and was a lifelong learner. He enjoyed the outdoor life, which included fishing and boating. Most importantly he loved spending time with his family. In addition to Rosemary, his wife of 49 years, he is survived by his three sons, Gene, Jerrod (Kimberley), Tony (Lauren); four granddaughters, Ashley, Emily, Hailey, Julia; his brother, Jeff (Valerie); sister, Kathleen Buchholz; brother-in-law, Ross (Sue Tolsma) Spiegler; and aunt, Carol Thurk. He was preceded in death by his parents; and his brother-in-law, Dennis Buchholz.A Visitation will be held at GUNDERSON WEST FUNERAL AND CREMATION CARE, 7435 University Ave., Middleton, starting at 11 a.m., on Saturday, July 14, 2018. A Sharing of Memories will begin at 2 p.m. There will be a gathering at the family home to share food and memories immediately following the service unti 8 p.m., and we encourage everyone to attend. Memorial contributions can be made to Garding Against Cancer at 1848 University Ave, Madison, WI 53726 www.gardingagainstcancer.org Memorial contributions made in Doug’s name will go to pancreatic cancer research at UW Carbone Cancer Center.
Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.
Events
Visitation
Sat Jul 14, 2018 @ 11:00 AM - 2:00 PM CDT
Gunderson Funeral and Cremation Care - Middleton • 7435 University Ave., Middleton, WI 53562
Celebration of Life
Sat Jul 14, 2018 @ 2:00 PM CDT
Gunderson Funeral and Cremation Care - Middleton • 7435 University Ave., Middleton, WI 53562
Photos
No photos of Douglas have been shared yet.
Memories
RC
Roger & Patti Cardoni
Other •
It has been a wonderful experience knowing Doug. He was a real gentleman and friend. He will be missed.
SB
Sheryl Batten
Other •
To Rosemary, Gene, Jarrod, Tony and all of Doug's family we send our thoughts and prayers. Doug was a great husband, father, "salt-of-the-earth", kind man...and excellent role model. Always low-key, interesting and funny, loved being around him. The VanBurens were our neighbors and friends for many years, our boys grew up together and when we moved we truly missed the VanBurens being right down the street. Our hearts are filled with sadness. May Doug soar with the eagles and under his wings may you all find refuge (Psalm 91). Love, Bill, Sheryl, Brett, Casey and Adam Batten
OF
Orville Froh
Other •
My smpathy to all of Doug's Family. As a WSP Trooper, I had a few occasions to meet Doug
during my career( 2nd Academy Class of 1950) and he represented our WSP so well. Since
I am now 85, I consider every day a " Bonus" from God " Orv Frohxxxxx
PF
Peggy and Neil Ford
Other •
We send heartfelt thoughts to Rosemary and Doug's family; it was a gift to us to call Doug our friend; you will be missed.
Peg and Neil Ford
SG
Sheila Gempeler
Other •
Rosemary and family, sending our sympathy, and asking God's blessing s as you go through these days of sadness and loss of your loved one. Sheila Gempeler
FH
Frieda M. Haesler
Other •
My Sincere Sympathy to the Doug Van Buren family. Doug accomplished so much for the Wisconsin State Patrol. He will always be remembered as a giving and kind person. Such a sweet person he was to everyone. I never worked with him when he was at Central Headquarters in Madison but always so friendly. God be with you Doug.
Frieda Haesler (Andreas)