Douglas G. Vandegrift, 91, Albert Lea

Published 10:41 am Wednesday, May 22, 2013

Douglas G. Vandegrift was born in Albert Lea, Minn., on Feb. 9, 1922, to Richard E. and Ruth (Wedge) Vandegrift. 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 Vandegrift

Doug graduated in 1938 from Albert Lea High School, and over 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: in a dairy farming partnership with his father, and from 1963-2007 with Vandegrift Dairy Equipment. Customers often became valued friends, making the business and life itself very enjoyable.

In 1945, Doug married Tracy Vande Kamp and together they raised six daughters and one son. The blessing of his own family was the high point of life, bringing love, support, pleasure and pride. Exploring the world with Tracy while visiting their children brought joy into his life. Grandchildren were also a treasured part of Doug’s life. He enjoyed making and inventing things and creating special memories for them as he shared his love of home, love of music and joy in God’s creation with them. Hymn sings with Doug’s harmonica and trumpet accompaniment were the highlights of many family reunions.

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, together with Dorothy and Bruce Buchanan they 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 also serve couples whom they came to love dearly.

Preceding Doug in death were his parents and his brother, Dick, in World War II. He is survived by his wife of 68 years, Tracy; his children, Nancy Hughes, JoAn (Lowell) Johnson, Carol (Steve) Goette, Judy (John, Jr) Westrum, Pat (Steve) Preston, Kent (Rochelle) Vandegrift, and Diane (Eric) Martineau; many grandchildren; and great-grandchildren. After a tractor accident in 2008, he lived at home, and was lovingly cared for by his wife and other caregivers. In October 2012, he moved to St. John’s Nursing Home, where he died peacefully in the presence of many of those he loved. Faith, family, and friendships were the highlights of his life. His influence will remain in our hearts and lives.

Funeral services will be held at the United Methodist Church, Albert Lea, Minn., at 2 p.m. Friday, May 24. Visitation will be held at Bayview Funeral Home from 4-7 p.m. on Thursday, and at the church one hour preceding the service. Interment will be at Graceland Cemetery. Online condolences are welcome at www.bayviewfuneral.com. In lieu of flowers, memorials are welcomed and may be directed to the United Methodist Church of Albert Lea.