Douglas Keith "Doug" Lund

Douglas Lund, affectionately known as Doug, passed away peacefully on August 15, 2025, at the age of 84, surrounded by his family. His passing followed complications from a fall. Doug was a cherished member of the Cottage Grove and Creswell, Oregon communities and a resident of Willamette Oaks in Eugene. Doug leaves behind a legacy of service, compassion, and dedication.
Born on September 26, 1940, in the rural farming town of Dawson, Minnesota, Doug was the son of Conrad and Alice (Gustafson) Lund. His early years were shaped by the rhythms of farm life, instilling in him a deep appreciation for hard work and simplicity. In 1948, the Lund family relocated to Oregon, eventually settling in Dallas, where Doug graduated from Dallas High School in 1959.
Following high school, Doug joined the Oregon Air National Guard and later pursued his calling in funeral service, graduating from the San Francisco College of Mortuary Science in 1962. While in San Francisco, he discovered a lifelong passion for jazz, inspired by the city's vibrant music scene.
Doug returned to Oregon and began his career in funeral service in Salem, where he met the love of his life, Jeryl. They married in June 1965 and soon moved to Cottage Grove to pursue a business opportunity. That same year, they purchased Smith Funeral Chapel. In 1977, they expanded by acquiring Mills Mortuary, merging the two into Smith-Lund-Mills Funeral Chapel. With his son Marc joining the business, the family acquired Fir Grove Cemetery in 1997. During his career, Doug was an active member of the Oregon Funeral Directors Association (OFDA). After 40 years of compassionate service to the community, Doug retired in 2004.
Doug's commitment to South Lane County extended far beyond his professional life. He was deeply involved in local charitable efforts, playing a pivotal role in the construction of the Cottage Grove hospital and serving as Past President of the Cottage Grove Community Hospital Foundation. He was also a lifelong member of the Cottage Grove Lions Club and an Elder at the First Presbyterian Church, in Cottage Grove.
Doug found joy in sailing, notably the San Juan Islands, skiing whenever he could, and relaxing at the family's beach cabin on the Oregon coast. He and Jeryl shared a love of travel, exploring the world together and creating lasting memories.
Doug is survived by his children, Krista (Jason Wamhoff) of Longwood, FL, and Marc (Christina Lund) of Eugene, OR; grandchildren Amanda Watkins, Hayden Wamhoff, Jacksen Lund, and Nicholas Lund; and great-grandson Rylan Springer. He is also survived by his brother Robert Lund, sister Judy Kindwall, and many beloved nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his wife Jeryl, with whom he shared 57 wonderful years, in May 2022.
Doug will be remembered for his unwavering kindness, his service to others, and the love he shared with his family and community. A funeral service and reception will be held on Thursday, August 28, 2025, at 1:00 PM at Smith-Lund-Mills Funeral Chapel & Crematorium in Cottage Grove, OR. Interment at Fir Grove Cemetery, Cottage Grove, OR. Contributions in Doug's memory may be made to the Cottage Grove Community Foundation, PO Box 1326, Cottage Grove, OR 97424.