Doug G. Modica

Doug G. Modica, age 76, of Watertown, SD, passed away on Sunday, January 12, 2025, at his residence. Funeral services will be at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, January 17, 2025, at New Life Evangelical Free Church in Watertown. Rev. Hank Roso will be officiating, assisted by Pastor Glenn Walker. Military Honors will be conducted at the church by the Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter #1054.
Visitation will be held on Thursday, January 16, 2025, at the church from 4:00 - 7:00 p.m., with a time of sharing starting at 6:00 p.m.
The family prefers memorials be directed to Midwest Bible Camp.
Burial will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Wednesday, January 22, 2025, at the South Dakota State Veteran Cemetery in Sioux Falls, SD. Honorary Pallbearers will be the Gideons and Vietnam Vets of America Post #1054 Active Pallbearers will be Wayne Kerslake, Dick Nicolai, Mark Rodvold, Jon Kraft, Jim Kolbrek, and Tony Wiegman
Doug was born on July 1, 1948, Sioux Falls, SD, to Paul and Ethel (Hansen) Modica. He graduated high school in 1966, then Sioux Falls College and the University of South Dakota, completing a master's degree in math and computer science in 1977.
On June 6, 1970, Doug married Mary Opsata in Luverne, MN. He served his nation in the U.S. Navy in the Pacific and Vietnam on a destroyer from 1971 to 1973 where he was exposed to Agent Orange, which is considered to be the cause of his heart and cancer problems throughout his next fifty years.
While involved with Christian Servicemen's Centers in the Navy, Doug fully committed his life to Jesus, his Lord and Savior. Serving Christ became his focus.
Doug had several "careers." He often joked that he was glad to quit teaching junior high math to go to Vietnam. Yet after Vietnam, he taught high school math to the children of missionaries in Peru and was proclaimed "the favorite teacher." Later, Doug worked most of his life in the computer field in Sioux Falls and Watertown, with many assignments abroad. He finished up as a computer analyst for Microsoft.
Doug was always thinking, always planning, and always studying -- a busy person, a servant and a generous giver. He was serious about knowing and supporting what God is doing around the world through missions. He joined the Gideon ministry in the Watertown area. He honored the Word of God as absolutely true and told people about his faith.
He also laughed hard and long. Jokes, popcorn, duct tape, gizmos, languages, puzzles, comic strips and the newspapers were constant if you lived with Doug. He also loved music and more music – all styles. He played in many groups and served many years in worship teams. He collected many instruments and tried briefly to learn each one! But saxophone and bass were his favorites.
Other passions included: elections, media, yardwork, the Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 1054 in Watertown, player pianos, the history club, mall walking, eating out, talking to strangers, helping solve local issues, caring for Lake Kampeska, and traveling. He was busy!
Doug is survived by his wife, Mary, of Watertown; one brother, Darrell (Marilyn) Modica of Willmar, MN; three sisters, Linda (Robert) Kraft of Sioux Falls, SD, Jeanne Brooks of South Carolina, and Carol Atkins of North Carolina; in-laws: Eva Lou Opsata of Luverne, MN, Richard and Ruth Opsata of Luverne, MN, and John Opsata of Frankfort, KY. He had many nieces and nephews.
Doug was preceded in death by his parents: Ethel and Paul Modica of Sioux Falls, SD, one brother Donald, one sister Paulette, as well as his wife's parents: Leon and Ruth Opsata of Luverne, MN.
Arrangements by Crawford-Osthus Funeral Chapel www.crawfordosthus.com Watertown and Hayti.
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