Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
BORN
1949
DIED
2024
FUNERAL HOME
Douglas Kozel Obituary
November 20, 2024
Douglas James Kozel passed away on November 20, 2024 after a courageous fight with ALS.
There will be a Celebration of Life service from 1 to 3 p.m. with a 2:30 p.m. time of sharing on Saturday, November 23, 2024 at Isburg Funeral Chapel in Pierre.
Doug was born on August 1, 1949 to Eugene and Genevieve (Wittmeier) Kozel. He was raised on a farm near Dante, SD and attended a rural school through 8th grade. He then went to high school and graduated from Avon High School. After that he attended Southern State College in Springfield and received a Bachelor of Science in education. He furthered his education where he received a Master's in biology at the University of South Dakota.
Doug moved to Pierre in 1974 where he worked for the South Dakota Department of Health for 37 years as a public health sanitarian. He met his wife Colleen Marx, and married in 1982. To this union two children were born: son, Lane Douglas and daughter, Lindsey Katherine.
He enjoyed hunting, fishing, and gardening. He especially liked hunting with his friends, Swede, Kuck and Wally.
After retirement he could be found shooting pool at the Lariat Lanes.
Doug was a man whose presence could never be ignored. Larger than life in every way, he had a booming voice that announced his arrival long before you saw his unforgettable smile. When Doug entered a room, the energy shifted. His warmth, charisma, and humor were simply magnetic. But what truly set him apart was his heart, the biggest of them all.
Doug was a deeply caring soul who always offered wise advice, a listening ear, and unwavering support, making him the kind of friend everyone was grateful to have.
Doug is survived by his wife, Colleen; son, Lane (Kasey Connor) and daughter, Lindsey (Tony Smedsrud); his brother, Larry (Sharon) and numerous relatives.
He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Robert; his in-laws, Jim and Pat Marx; and numerous aunts and uncles.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the ALS association.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Douglas Kozel
Sponsored by Isburg Funeral Chapels - Pierre.
5 Entries
Ron Bawdon
March 1, 2025
Sincere condolences to Collen and all the Kozel family.
Had a lot of great chats and encounters with Doug over the years
He was a devout fan of my band and I appreciated that very much. He was always there and having a good time with us all. RIP Doug
LeAnn and Roger Finley
January 5, 2025
So sorry for your loss, Colleen. We are thinking of you.
.
December 25, 2024
In loving memory of a wonderful person. We will love you and miss you always.
Melita
December 6, 2024
As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends.
Roger Scheibe
November 24, 2024
So sorry to hear of Doug´s passing. I worked with Doug for years when I was with Dept of Ag. Always enjoyed his witty comments and sense of humor, always scrutinized overzealous common sense regulations.
Showing 1 - 5 of 5 results
Make a Donation
in Douglas Kozel's name
Memorial Events
for Douglas Kozel
Funeral services provided by:
Isburg Funeral Chapels - Pierre439 South Pierre Street, Pierre, SD 57501
How to support Douglas's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor Douglas Kozel's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
