Douglas J. Fechtel

I was looking up past residents I trained with and found Doug's obituary--my first knowledge of his passing away. I trained in general surgery in Jacksonville 1984-9 and overlapped 4 years with Doug. I have to say he was the kindest and most compassionate resident I had the pleasure to work with. Everyone loved him and he never had a bad thing to say about anyone and always had such a positive outlook. I realize you weren't expecting a new entry 2 1/2 years after his passing but Doug was a special doctor and gentleman and I hope your family knows that he made an impact on everyone he met. I am a better doctor for having known him. God bless you all, Robert D. Wilcox, MD

I just saw that Doug passed away last January!!! I worked with Doug at Jacksonville General Hospital before he started Med. School. We hung out together a lot in those days. He was a good friend and we stayed in touch while he was in Med School in G/Mexico. Then years later, I ran into him at St. Lukes when my mom was in there and he knew her well (she worked at Jax. General also), he took the time to stop in and talk with her for a while and it made her day!!!
My heart is sad! My condolences to all of the Fechtel family.
Margie Russ

To Douglas' family:
Ros,
I'm so sorry to hear of our loss. All of you are in my prayers. Lynda Tooraen Kerr
daughter of Joyce LeBlanc Tooraen

Dear Friend and Great Doctor. Rest in peace. To one of the most special families we have ever know.

I was just informed by my sister-in-law that Doug passed early January. I went to school with him and always thought he was a good man. I was not a close friend but I always kept in touch, may he rest in paradise and be in embraced by our Lord. My sympathies go to the Fechtel family, time will help the sorrow pass but he will always be in your heart. Gloria ( Colleen Curtin) Reiley class if '67.

My prayers and condolences to you Sharon and your family.
Sincerely,
Monica (Shashy) Figueroa

Dr. Fechtel performed my mastectomy 12 years ago. He was such a kind and wonderful man who put me at ease with a very tough decision I had to make. God Bless his family and may he rest in peace. Dutchi Riggs

I was so saddened to hear of Doug's passing. Growing up in "the neighborhood" brings back many fond memories of Doug and all the gang playing our football and basketball games.
It's been many years since I have seen Doug, but I know he will be sorely missed by all his family and a lot friends!
My most sincere condolences to the entire Fechtel family.

While it always seemed painful to get that call back to the OR at midnight, it never seemed quite so bad with Dr Doug Fechtel. Back in the late 80's...at St Luke's on Belfort Road, we did our job, took care of patients in need, and had good times.
God speed this wonderful man and his family.
Love to you and yours from a circulating nurse from way back.
Ellen Balanky, RN

Dr. Fechtel was one of the finest men I have ever known. His kindness, sense of humor, and good nature will never be forgotten.
Dana Coker & Family
Eclectic, Alabama

It was an honor to have met you sir. You are a star representative of one of my favorite families. May Perpetual Light shine upon Thee.

He was a wonderful doctor. The nurses who worked with him loved and respected him. He was a calming and comforting administrator. I was one of the many who were blessed to work with him.

For all of the family--I worked for many years with Dr. Fechtel at St. Luke's Hospital. He called me Rosea' (like fine wine)--it always made me feel special. That was Doug-- he just made you feel special whether you were the patient or a co-worker. God Bless you all for his soul has been set free you have been left behind to grieve. My deepest sympathies are with you.

To the Fechtel family. My deepest condolences on the loss of Doug. Many prayers for you all at this most sad and difficult time.

With sympathy,
Tammy Hughes

Sharon, Alex and Sydney...Wish I had known Doug before Alzheimer's but I did not get that honor. At the Greenhouse he was always tender, polite, gracious and any mention of Gators or fishing would make him smile. Fond memories of Doug and Tom on the bikes. Even in his last days he was still caring for his beloved patients. His presence was strong and he is so missed by those who spend time at the Greenhouse. Much love to each of you.

Sharon, my sincere condolences to you and your family. You have been so helpful to my sister (Anne Schmitt) and an inspiration to all. You are in my prayers.

Sincere condolences to you Sharon and the rest of the family. I used to work for Dr Douglas back-in-the-day when he started with Drs. Still and Fulmer. He was definitely a hard worker and I can attest to the long hours he put in. He will ne missed.

Sydney and Alex, I am so sorry for the loss of your dad. Your family is in my prayers

Deepest sympathy to the Fechtel Family. Prayers are with you during this difficult time and the days ahead. Doug was a good man. He had such a loving bedside manner with his patients. Enjoyed working with him at the old St. Luke's Hospital during his Residency.

Deepest sympathy from the Lynch family. God bless you all.

I, too, grew up in Empire Point with Doug and remember him as being one of the nicest kids there. This is truly sad news. I know that he must have been a wonderful surgeon and this is a big loss to the community. Kindest regards to all his family.

My condolences to Doug's family. Doug was not only a good surgeon but illuminated any room he entered with his innate kindness and smile; always an upbeat and positive person. My family and I send our prayers and warm regards to entire Fechtel family.

He was a joy to work with

I would like to add my condolences to the family and to the many dedicated friends of Dr. Fechtel. He touched a great many lives and he was the nicest doctor I've ever met. Rest in peace sir.

I have such fond memories of growing up in Empire Point with the Fechtels. I occasionally crossed paths with Doug in our medical work, and he always had a smile and a good word. His patients adored him. Sad news.

I'm so sorry for your family in the loss of Doug. I most remember Doug in high school for his smiling face and great sense of humor. Rest in peace, Doug.
Susan Jakowski Szczepanik

Please know that I am thinking of you and the rest of your family at this time. With love and condolences. Everett

What a wonderful man.

I'm glad Dr. Fechtel was around to perform my hernia surgery. His casual and respectful attitude put me at ease. He is gone too soon.

Roz and family, my prayers are with you.