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Doug Appleby Obituary
Des Moines
Doug Appleby, 44, died Wednesday, December 2, 2015, at the VA Medical Center in Des Moines. Funeral services will be 10:00 a.m., Saturday, December 5, 2015, at New Hope Assembly of God Church. Burial will follow at Glendale Cemetery.
Doug was born May 24, 1971, in Des Moines to Bill and Linda (Young) Appleby. After graduating Hoover High School, Doug joined the United States Marine Corps and served in Operation Desert Storm of the Gulf War. He graduated from UNI and began his graphic design career. Doug worked for Dyton Media in Waterloo and August Home Publishing in Des Moines. Most recently, Doug was the food photographer for Cuisine Magazine, and his photographs have also appeared in other publications including Garden Gate Magazine.
Doug had a lifelong love for photography. He also enjoyed being outdoors, hunting, fishing, and camping; but his greatest love was for his family and for his God. Doug modeled his love for God and his faith throughout his life, and he was a wonderful father and husband. He was a quiet spoken man, who formed friendships that lasted a lifetime. On July 20, 1996, he married his best friend, Dara Eckert.
Survivors include his wife, Dara; children: Emma, Will, Jonathan and Elizabeth; parents, Bill and Linda Appleby of Des Moines; siblings: Diana (Michael) Welchert of Aurora, CO, Dan (Jodi) Appleby of Mead, WA, Deb (Bob) Fessler of Pella; parents-in-law, Bill and Helen Eckert of Tampa, FL; sister-in-law, Dana (Jonathan) Young of Colorado Springs, CO; and 12 nieces and nephews.
The family will receive friends 4:00-7:00 pm Friday, December 4, 2015, at Iles Westover Chapel. Memorial contributions may be made to the family for the children's educational fund. Online condolences are welcome at www.IlesCares.com.
Doug's family would like to thank the nurses and entire medical staff at the VA Community Living Center for their wonderful, compassionate care.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Doug Appleby
Moses T. Noble
February 20, 2025
I don't have a lot of memories of Mr. Appleby but I was sad that he was gone I knew him because of my dad who was a good friend of his I will remember him forever
John Hofmeyer
January 25, 2016
I knew Doug many years ago while I was in High School, our families attended the same church. He was generous, funny, friendly, and sincere. My heart goes out to his family and my deepest condolences.
Judy Lundy
December 10, 2015
Dear Dara and family,
My heart felt sympathy to you and your family in the passing of Doug. I know this is a time of great sorrow; I have been praying for you. Sincerely, Judy Lundy
TIRZAH Baugher//Pollard
December 9, 2015
I went to First Federated Church with Doug. We were in the youth group together in the same grade. He helped my younger brother when he needed a mentor. Thanks Doug. You will be missed.
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Peter Larson
December 7, 2015
Doug and I worked together at August Home Publishing. I am a fellow veteran and Doug and I talked often about how the VA is our best benefit to honor our years in service.
I'm very sorry for your loss. We will all miss Doug very much.
My condolences,
Peter Larson
Sally Oldham
December 5, 2015
My prayers are with your family. I'm so very sorry. Doug was a man of God and he will be rejoicing with the Lord.
Shane, Trish, Emily, Mystic & Dylan Jones
December 4, 2015
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all at this time.
Sarah Turnbull and family
December 4, 2015
So very sorry for your loss. While most of the family will not know us, we know Deb very well as she has taught our children. We have prayed for Doug and family through these trials. What a wonderful family you all are. Prayers of peace and comfort in the memories and love Doug brought to your lives. Will be in our prayers!
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