Douglas Guy Sauke was born May 28, 1955 to Art and Shirley Sauke. The young couple had chosen his name nearly two years before he was born. Doug was the oldest of 5 children, being brother to Todd, Tamara, Jennifer and Benjamin. Growing up on the family farm near cousins provided lasting memories which were spoken fondly of in his final days. At age 15 Doug’s family moved into Walters. Doug was a member of United Lutheran Church in Walters and he graduated from Kiester High School in 1973. After high school Doug attended Winona State University and Red Wing Vocational School. A summer road trip to California with Cousin Dena was another big event in Doug’s life. He also spent a few years in Green Bay, Wisconsin studying wind and solar energy technology and its positive effects for the environment (cutting edge in the 1980s). Doug’s working career began as a teenager doing farm labor. He often talked of his time working in the fields and driving tractor for Henry Kalis. He also did various building and construction work in Wisconsin before returning to his roots in southern Minnesota where he bought his house in Alden and worked for many years at Streater Industries in Albert Lea. Doug “retired” early in order to pursue his passions. While meeting with his oncologist and discussing his life and health history, Doctor asked Doug what he had been doing with himself since retiring. Doug’s response was, “Enjoying my life.” Doug was very passionate about the things he was passionate about. His passions included fishing, gardening (growing plants inside as well as outside), researching genealogy, fly fishing, following the MN Twins and MN Vikings, learning about local history, tying flies for fly fishing, and educating others about his passions. Doug enjoyed sharing pictures of his flowers and the fish he caught and released. If you stood still, he would talk your ear off and if you turned, he would talk your other ear off. Highlights for Doug include fishing trips to Kodiak Island, Alaska, Wyoming and Lake Superior. Doug never missed family gatherings such as the yearly Haukoos Family Reunion at the Walters park and the spring and fall Penny Family Farm clean-up days where he had a chance to visit with many cousins, aunts and uncles. Doug could always be counted on to arrive with a sturdy box filled with canned jars of his delicious homemade jams and pickles. He also enjoyed sharing bottles of home-brewed beer and wine (some of which were actually good!) His absence will be felt at these family times. Doug adored his nieces and nephews, Spencer, Anna, Lily, Sydney and Gavin. After a short yet intense bout with cancer, Doug died peacefully on April 25, 2024 with his sister Tami at his side. In true Doug form, shortly after receiving his diagnosis he gave what will probably be his greatest piece of advice, “Don’t ignore the signs.” Douglas was preceded in death by his parents Arthur Sauke and Shirley (Haukoos) Sauke. An informal gathering to celebrate his life will be held in the Walters park on Sunday, July 14 from 2:00-4:00. Memorials can be sent to Freeborn County Historical Museum or Wells Depot Museum.