Douglas Brian Dahlquist

Douglas Brian Dahlquist, 62, of Bradenton, Florida, peacefully joined the Church Triumphant at 2:30 a.m. on February 19, 2026, after a valiant battle with cancer. He was surrounded by the love of his family and lifelong friend, Tina Affolter. During his final earthly hours, Doug was embraced by his loved ones with hugs and kisses, comforted by their familiar voices, lifted in prayer, and regaled by their stories that spanned a lifetime. There was laughter through the tears, playful jokes, and the kind of wholehearted joy that Doug carried with him every day of his life.

Even as he faced his own health challenges, Doug's concern for others never waned. He faced his diagnosis with his characteristic courage and grace, choosing to focus on the joy of each new day rather than the difficulties it brought. His strength in the face of adversity was an inspiration to all who knew him, a testament to his faith and inner resilience.

Born on October 2, 1963, in Pontiac, Michigan, to Henry Marcus Dahlquist, Sr. and Winifred Jean (Smith) Dahlquist, Doug was the fifth and youngest child, the beloved "baby" of the family. Arriving many years after his siblings, he was cherished in a very special way and grew up wrapped in their love and protection.

In 1970, Doug's family moved to Anna Maria Island, Florida, where he attended Anna Maria Elementary School, Sugg Middle School, and graduated from Bayshore High School, a Bruin through and through. He continued his education at Western Carolina University, the University of West Florida, and completed his bachelor's degree at the University of South Florida. Never one to stop learning, he earned his master's degree in business administration from DeVry University, and he was just one class short of completing a second master's degree in project management.

Doug was a hardworking man from an early age. As a young man, he spent his summer breaks helping his brother, Fritz, clean pools around the island and doing landscaping work at the Nautilus Condominiums in Holmes Beach. He also worked as a laborer for his future father-in-law, Frank Ellinwood, and strengthened a strong connection that would last until Frank's death. His professional career journey included Robby's Sporting Goods, the Woolworth Corporation, Kinney Shoes, the Venator Group, Foot Locker, Inc., Team Edition Apparel, Globe Trailers, and lastly the School District of Manatee County. The majority of his career was spent faithfully serving as a purchasing manager, where his integrity, diligence, and strong work ethic were evident to all who worked alongside him.

More than anything else, Doug was a devoted husband. He married his high school sweetheart, Theresa Ann Ellinwood Dahlquist, beginning a love story that spanned more than four decades. Their marriage flourished through their faith, love, trust, joy, laughter, and a deep devotion. Together, they built a life centered on Christ, family, and service to others.

Doug was a loving and supportive father to Hannah Elizabeth Boyd (Daniel Edward Boyd) and David Benjamin Dahlquist. If they had a need, he was there in a second to help them. He was an adoring "Grandad" to his cherished grandchildren, Madeline Marie Boyd, Elizabeth Ann Boyd, and Douglas Brian Boyd. His grandbabies were one of the greatest joys of his life. Whether it was bringing them to church to learn about Jesus, babysitting at a moment's notice, planning trips to Disney, sharing timeshare vacations, hosting tea parties, wrestling on the floor, going to movies, coloring a picture, or simply sitting down for a family meal together, what mattered most to Doug was the time he devoted to each of them. The precious time he spent with them will now be treasured as lasting memories.

Doug was a devoted member of First Presbyterian Church in Bradenton, Florida. His faith was the cornerstone of his life. He loved to pray for others and was known for his servant's heart. He sang in the church choir, played bass guitar in the praise band, and found peace daily reading (or listening to) the Bible, especially in the evenings.

He had a deep love of reading and was an avid collector of first-edition works by his favorite author, Stephen King, often rereading beloved novels. He appreciated music of all genres, though old-time rock and roll held a special place in his heart. Doug also loved swimming, golfing, playing softball, weightlifting, painting, cooking for his family, going to the beach, antiquing, collecting crystal and glass, preserving family heirlooms, playing piano (even taking lessons as an adult), and enjoying a good movie. He treasured fast cars and especially loved his Ford Mustang GT, manual transmission, just the way he liked it.

Doug had a gorgeous smile that was always present and a laugh that was contagious. He loved telling a good joke himself, but he also loved enjoying a funny joke told by someone else. His warmth, humor, keen intellect, and steady presence made people feel safe, welcomed, and most importantly, valued.

Doug is survived by his beloved wife, Theresa; his children, Hannah (Daniel) and David; his grandchildren, Madeline, Elizabeth, and Douglas; his siblings, Henry "Hank" Marcus Dahlquist, Jr., Dianne Linsenman, and Kristin Mead; sisters-in-law Marcia Dahlquist, Dena Dahlquist, Pamela Ellinwood Spry, and Deborah Ellinwood DeMers; brothers-in-law William "Bill" Alexander, Steve Mead, Alfredo "Freddy" Spry, and Rodney DeMers; and three generations of nieces and nephews who brought him immeasurable joy. He is also survived by a devoted church family and many lifelong friends.

Doug was preceded in death by his parents, Henry Marcus Dahlquist, Sr. and Winifred Jean Smith Dahlquist; his father-in-law, Frank Ellinwood; his mother-in-law, Doris Ellinwood; his brother, David "Fritz" Dahlquist; his nephew and godson, Zachary Nickells Smith; and his nephew, Jordan William DeMers.

Doug's life was one marked by love - love for Christ, love for family, love for friends, and love for the simple joys that make a life rich. The memories he created, the laughter he shared, and the faith he lived out daily will continue to comfort those who loved him.

"Well done, good and faithful servant."

A Celebration of Doug's Life is planned on Saturday, March 7, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at First Presbyterian Church, 1402 Manatee Avenue West, Bradenton, Florida 34205. All are welcome. A luncheon gathering (with selections that Doug loved) will immediately follow the service in the Church Fellowship Hall.

Memorial donations may be made to First Presbyterian Church, Bradenton, Florida.

Brown & Sons Funeral Homes & Crematory 43rd Street Chapel, 604 43rd Street West, Bradenton, FL 34209, is in charge of arrangements.