Douglas Paul Akerley

Douglas Paul Akerley passed away on December 18, 2025, at his home in Hudson, WI, just over one year after being diagnosed with pancreatic cancer.

Doug was born in Manchester, NH on August 12, 1957. He was predeceased by his parents, Howard and Helen Akerley, sister Susan Jones and her husband Harry Jones. He is survived by his wife Colleen Doran Akerley; brother Robert Akerley and his wife Carol Steen; sister Nancy Akerley and her husband Tom Treiman; nieces Meredith Akerley, Dr. Samantha Akerley, and Dr. Alice Jones; nephews Greg Treiman and Brahm Treiman. Doug is also survived by his two sons, Christopher Akerley and Daniel Akerley, who brought tremendous joy to his life and whom he raised with his former wife, Margaret.

Doug had a big smile that would light up the room and an even bigger heart to warm it. He loved meeting people and had a sharp wit which could make anyone laugh. Doug had a special fondness for the natural world and things that grow. He became the family expert on trees, plants, and all things horticultural, and as a result was consulted regularly for advice. He loved exploring the great outdoors, and if you were lucky enough to join him on an adventure you would quickly realize that he could identify hundreds of plants by memory, how to care for them, and both their common and Latin names. He was a true "bird nerd", tending his feeders and electric bird bath year-round for the enjoyment of all. Doug and his siblings would regularly share photos of nature scenes from their yards. Doug loved music, boating, biking, skiing, hiking, cooking, making people laugh, and sharing his talents.

Doug was very proud of his professional career of 35 years in the landscape and gardening business on Long Island, NY, which included Martin Viette, and, in the years prior to his retirement, Hicks Nurseries. He brought great joy to thousands of people through his leadership, vision, and expertise. He believed in developing staff in a work environment that embraced strong values, teamwork, and self-fulfillment as keys to growing a healthy business.

Doug married Colleen later in life, and they shared many wonderful years together. Colleen's children, siblings, extended family, and friends welcomed him into their lives, and he felt blessed to have warm relationships with them all. The grandchildren they shared brought him much happiness. "GrandDoug" loved doing projects, hiking, boating, and reading with them.

Over the years, Doug and Colleen enjoyed many adventures together. They were lucky to have lived in NY for five years, taking advantage of the opportunities there before moving to Hudson, WI. They took trips to both coasts; drove across Canada; explored Italy, the UK, and the Great Lakes; wintered in Florida; and watched many sunsets at the cabin in the Northwoods of Wisconsin.

Pancreatic cancer needs more research to identify preventive measures and effective treatments. Please use any influence you have to encourage public and private funding to support that research. You may also send a donation in Doug's memory to one of the following organizations: Pancreatic Cancer Action Network; Lustgarten Foundation; or the American Cancer Society.

If desired, in lieu of flowers, donations to a local food bank are also welcome and can provide immediate help to people in your community.

We wish to thank the staff of numerous departments at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, MN for their expert care of Doug over the last year; and the wonderful, caring staff at MN Oncology Associates in Hudson, WI; and St. Croix Hospice.

Doug's influence and memory will carry on through all who knew him.