Douglas Paul Farster

1958 - 2022

Douglas Paul Farster
Born: September 19, 1958
Died: October 14, 2022
Douglas Paul Farster, 64, passed from this world on October 14, 2022 at home in Dixon after a brief battle with cancer.
Doug was born to the late Robert P. and Lucille (Sheffield) Farster on September 19, 1958 in Dixon, IL. When Lucille burst into tears with the news of her surprise 4th baby, the doctor told her he would be the one to make her proud. Indeed he did with his childhood antics of lighting a chair on fire and playing firefighter by bringing the garden hose into the house. Claiming his share of attention from his older siblings Mike, Greg, and Debbie, Doug was always the life of the party, going so far as to invite all his school friends to his 8th birthday party without his parents' knowledge.
He made the most of his high school years, particularly by enjoying time with his buddies and social events, where he met the love of his life, Julie. She was his constant companion and loving wife of 45 years, supporting him in all his endeavors and by his side 'til the end.
Doug's proudest achievements were his two daughters, Andrea and Erica. They remember his sense of humor, manifested in embarrassing jokes. He was always there for them, and so proud of their successes. He instilled in them an appreciation of red wine and made sure they had no question on the proper way to mix a G&T. He also didn't hesitate to co-opt them as the sales force for his very popular homemade mustard.
Papa Doug loved his grandchildren and relished his role in corrupting the next generation, having his grandson Max sign a contract promising he would not repeat anything he heard from Papa at school. His granddaughter Ella inherited his curly hair and wild storytelling abilities.
Doug spent his career with the IL Dept. of Transportation and later at the IL Dept. of Natural Resources. He was a passionate politician, having served his community as Lee County Board member, Township Supervisor, Township Clerk, Lee County Republican Central Committee Chairman for more than a decade, Chairman of the Lee County Council on Aging, Elks member, and leading numerous campaigns in support of local, state, and congressional political races.
In retirement, he rode his Harley across the country to Washington state, perfected his Sheephead's pub style beer mustard recipe, tended his garden, loved food, cooking and fine wine, and recounted his abundant tales and jokes to anyone who would listen. Sitting by a pool or traveling to a warm beach with his wife Julie were some of his greatest enjoyments. They took many road trips and enjoyed socializing with friends. Beer mustard patrons need not fear - the Sheep's mustard empire will live on through her.
Colorful memories are left with his wife Julie (Lendman) Farster, siblings Greg Farster of Maricopa, AZ, Debbie Uarich of Omaha, NE, daughters Andrea Farster of Chicago, IL, and Erica (Greg) Slain of Littleton, CO, grandchildren Max and Ella Slain, and many brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, nieces, and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, R.P. and Lucille Farster, and his brother, Mike Farster.
His life will be celebrated with a visitation on Friday, October 21, 2022 from 4 to 7 p.m. at Preston Schilling Funeral Home, Dixon, and a funeral mass at St. Patrick's Catholic Church, Dixon, on Saturday, October 22, 2022 at 10:30 a.m., with Father John Evans, officiating. Cremation Rites have been accorded.
Doug would love nothing more than for you to remember him with a glass of wine with friends or a drink at Zero's and tell your stories of his antics. To share a memory of Doug or send a condolence to his family, please visit www.prestonschilling.com .
Memorials may be directed to "Dixon Park District - Future Aquatics, 1312 Washington Ave. Dixon, IL 61021" or the Dixon petunia baskets fund at "Dixon in Bloom, P.O. Box 127, Dixon, IL 61021."
Arrangements were completed by Preston-Schilling Funeral Home in Dixon.