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BORN
1934
DIED
2025
UPCOMING SERVICE
Douglas Salzwedel Obituary
July 9, 1934 - August 31, 2025
Douglas "Doug" Salzwedel, age 91, of Hastings, passed away peacefully on August 31, 2025, at Regina Hospital.
Doug was born on July 9, 1934, in Lincoln Township, Wisconsin, to Carl and Martha (Hein) Salzwedel. He grew up on the family farm outside of Warrens, where he developed a lifelong love of hunting and fishing. He graduated from high school in Tomah, Wisconsin, before enlisting in the U.S. Army. Doug served proudly in Korea, where he also played the piccolo in the Army band.
Following his service, Doug began working with the airlines, starting in Detroit and later moving to Chicago before eventually settling in Minneapolis, where he worked as a mechanic. While living in Chicago, he met Betty Lou Schultz, and the two were married on 23 April 1961. Together they were blessed with three children: Amy, Robert, and Bill. The family later made their home in Richfield, Minnesota, close to the airport.
Doug enjoyed the outdoors and was especially fond of hunting, fishing, and traveling. After retirement, he and Betty Lou moved to Hastings, Minn., and traveled the world, spent winters in Texas, and toured the continental United States in their RV. His family fondly remembers fishing trips together, his endless supply of dad jokes, his quick humor, and the way people were naturally drawn to him. Above all, he was a devoted husband and father - a God fearing man, and the best dad. He was also a faithful member of St. John's Lutheran Church.
He is survived by his wife, Betty Lou; children, Amy (Rainer) Gartzke, Robert (Kelly) Salzwedel, and Bill (Rosemary) Salzwedel; eight grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandchild; along with nieces, nephews, other relatives; and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Robert and Lawrence Salzwedel; and grandson, Josh Beebe.
A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. on Monday, September 15, 2025, at St. John's Lutheran Church in Hastings, Minn., with a visitation one hour prior, from 10 to 11 a.m. A reception will follow the service. Burial will take place at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, September 16, 2025, at Warren Mills Cemetery in Warrens, Wisconsin.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
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