Douglas R. Alft

Douglas Roger Alft, age 73, of Wisconsin Rapids, left this earth on October 13, 2023. Doug, or "Bear," as he was affectionately called, was a kind and positive man who always wore a friendly smile and loved to chat with anyone he encountered. Doug will always be remembered for his patience, generosity, and humor. He was born in Wisconsin Rapids to Lester and Elaine Alft on September 18, 1950, attended Lincoln High School, was active in football and track, and spent a year and a half at SSU in Menomonie, where he met and married Mave, his wife of 53 years.
Proud father of two sons, Andrew and Bryan, their wives Tamara Alft and Amanda Luker, and loving Grandpa to seven grandchildren: Anna, Noah, Sam, Simone, Poppy, Lucy, and Hazel. He loved to dress up as Santa, play games with the kids, and coached baseball from little league up to American Legion level. He loved to "explore America," taking many spontaneous road trips to seemingly every small town in Wisconsin. He loved giving gifts, buying and hiding Christmas and birthday gifts around the house year-round. And, he loved the Green Bay Packers and the Milwaukee Brewers!
Doug started "working" at the age of 8 at his family's business, Alft Decorators, and continued in the business for 59+ years, painting and decorating many homes and businesses in central Wisconsin with his father, two brothers, and wife, Mave.
Survived by his wife, sons, daughters-in-law and grandchildren, brother Dave Alft and wife Kathy, and sister-in-law Sue (Tootie) Alft, and five special "daughters," Brenda Steffen, Bonita Plummer, Becki Gibson, Cheryl Lundeen and Kenzie O'Brien. He is preceded in death by his parents Lester and Elaine Alft, and two brothers, Clark and Dan.
Memorial services will be held at 7:00 p.m. on Friday, October 20, 2023 at Herman-Taylor Funeral Home in Wisconsin Rapids. Visitation will be held from 4:00 p.m. until the time of service Friday at the funeral home.