Douglas Michael DeLong

PORTAGE  --  Douglas Michael DeLong, age 54, died on Wednesday, August 26, 2009, at the V.A. Medical Center in Madison, surrounded by his family.  He is finally at rest from the diabetes that took a great toll on his earthly body.

Douglas was born on September 9, 1954, in Fort Campbell, Kentucky, the son of Robert and Joyce DeLong. He enjoyed growing up in Northern Minnesota where he graduated from Mora High School.  He then served his country in the US Army from March 27, 1973 to March 17, 1976.  Douglas graduated from the University of Minnesota with a degree in Mechanical Engineering.  Grabbing the opportunity for a warmer climate, Doug worked as an Engineer for Honeywell in Phoenix, Arizona for 22 years.  As he often made it back to Minnesota and Wisconsin for family gatherings he continually grumbled, “How do you people live up here in this miserable cold?”  Doug continued his education and received a Masters Degree in Business from the University of Arizona.  He enjoyed traveling for his job and for pleasure around the world.

Douglas is survived by his parents, Robert and Joyce DeLong; two brothers, Curt DeLong, Portage, WI, and Ron DeLong, Rake, IA; two sisters, Connie (Dan) Van Straten, Green Bay, WI, Debra DeLong, Merrill, WI, several nieces and nephews, and a longtime friend, Sandy Tezak.  Douglas was preceded in death by his beloved dog, Baar.

Funeral services will be held at 1:30 p.m. on Saturday, August 29, 2009 at the Pflanz Mantey Mendrala Funeral Home in Portage, WI, with Rev. David Bowman officiating.  Burial will follow in Big Springs Cemetery.  Visitation will be held on Saturday from 12:30 p.m. until the time of the service at 1:30 at the funeral home.

The family would like to extend special thanks to the VA Hospital staff, 8th floor SICU, for your compassionate care to Doug.

Memorials may be given to the VA Medical Center, 2500 Overlook Terrace, Madison, WI 53705.

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