Arno Douglas Wisness

1942 - 2024

Arno Douglas Wisness

April 2, 1942 - May 30, 2024

Puyallup, Washington - Arno Douglas Wisness passed away peacefully at home in Puyallup, Washington on May 30, 2024. He was born on April 2, 1942, in Williston, North Dakota, to Arno and Anna (Nesseth) Wisness. Doug grew up in Watford City and had fond memories of the first time meeting his father at the age of four, when his father returned home from serving in WWII. Doug graduated from Watford City High School where he excelled at basketball. It was during high school, playing on the basketball team, when he first noticed his future wife, Darlene (Frank) Wisness, who was a cheerleader from Halliday, North Dakota. Doug and Darlene started dating when they were students at Dickinson State Teachers College and were married at St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Halliday on August 7, 1965. Doug and Darlene's first child, Dougie, was born in North Dakota. They moved to Washington State in 1968 where Doug started working as a manager at Boeing in Seattle. Doug joined the Bethel School District staff in 1968 and began his teaching and coaching career at Bethel High School in 1969. Doug and Darlene's daughter, Crystal and third child, Justin, were born in Washington State. Doug lived in Puyallup, Washington for 46 years and loved his friends, family, and community. Doug was loyal, generous, and had a love for writing. More than anything, Doug loved his family and athletics. Doug spent eight years as the head coach in cross country, nine years as the head coach in track, seven years as the head coach of the girls' golf team, the head coach for the girls' bowling team, and assistant coach of the boys' golf team for five years. When girls were finally allowed to participate in athletics, Doug coached the first girls' track team for five years. Doug's coaching of Bethel High School sports spanned four decades and left a legacy of school records, some of which still stand today. He coached the Bethel Rec. Program, played a large role in the Bethel School District Ski school (with Darlene), and also ran the Bethel Golf League. Doug taught many different classes, including driver's education. He was inducted into the Bethel Hall of Fame in 2018 and was honored for his commitment to the students and the school. After Doug retired from teaching and coaching at Bethel High School, he opened and managed his own golf business, Golf Stix by Wiz. His shop was located off Meeker Ave in downtown Puyallup. He designed and manufactured golf clubs and had pride in helping others with their golf games. Doug was a loving husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather and friend. He had a sense of adventure throughout his life, enjoyed learning new skills, and loved attending the performances of his children and grandchildren. He was Darlene's main caretaker at the end of her life and loved her deeply. Doug is preceded in death by his parents, his wife, his sisters-in-law, Clara Malsam and Agnes Wasem, his brothers-in-law, Adam Malsam, Arnold Wolf, and Austin Robley Smith. He is survived by his loving children Doug (Teri) Wisness Crystal Wisness (Chuck Chew), and Justin (Sarah) Wisness; his five grandchildren Nathaniel, Jacob (Jenna), Jordan, Jace and Henry; his great granddaughter Isabelle; his brothers Rick (Nancy) Wisness and Bob (Deb) Wisness; and his sistersin-law Thelma Wolf, Amanda Smith, and Marion (Cliff) Ferebee. A celebration of life service will be held on Wednesday, June 12, 2024 at 2 p.m. at Pilgrim Lutheran Church at 10510 136th St. E., Puyallup. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the ALS Association Evergreen Chapter.