Douglas Dovre

April 8, 1956 - April 4, 2003 On a beautiful spring day in Detroit Lakes, Minnesota, Conrad and Alice Dovre celebrated the blessed birth of their youngest son, Douglas Jan Dovre, April 8, 1956 Doug was brought home to begin his journey at the family farm.He was greeted by his loving sister, Sharon and his brothers, Dennis and Donald. In 1964, after his older siblings began their own adult lives, Conrad and Alice decided to accept a position at Boeing and moved with Doug to Renton, Washington where he fell in love with the Lord. Douglas had a great passion for scripture.He dedicated many years studying the gospel and seeking the meaning...searching for "proof".So much so, after Doug graduated high school, it surprised his family when he enlisted in the United States Air Force.They always felt he would devote his life to serving God through the Church.And, in many ways, he did.Doug began his international travels while being stationed in exotic far away places like Greece, Turkey and Japan. On October 27, 1978 Sergeant Douglas J. Dovre received Meritorious Service from Major General Fred A. Haeffner, USAF and John Stetson, Secretary of the Air Force, for distinguished service as Air Operations Center Specialist while assigned to the 6th Airborne Command and Control Squadron, Langley Air Force Base, Virginia.Sergeant Dovre was instrumental in the implementation of improved programs and procedures that saved money, valuable man-hours and resources.Doug's suggested changes in operating procedures were highly received and serve as the foundation to the operating procedures of the Air Operations Center today.Sergeant Dovre's exemplary devotion to duty and professional competency enabled him to make truly outstanding contributions.These distinctive accomplishments reflected credit upon himself and the United States Air Force. Doug didn't stop there.He was awarded an additional Meritorious Service on December 22, 1980 from Doyl E Larson, Major General, USAF - Commander, Electronic Security Command and Haus Wark, Secretary of the Air Force.Doug distinguished himself by meritorious service as a Morse Systems Supervisor, 6920th Electronic Security Group Electronic Security Command, Misawa Air Base, Japan, from December 21, 1978 to February 20, 1981.During this period, Staff Sergeant Dovre's superior technical knowledge and application of outstanding supervisory skills had contributed immensely to his unit's overall efficiency and end product.His enthusiasm and initiative made it obvious that he was a professional in the true sense of the word.The distinctive accomplishments of Sergeant Dovre reflect credit upon himself and the United States Air Force. In 1981, his duty was reassigned to Reese Air Force base, Lubbock, Texas.One year later, Doug met his life partner, Anthony Fowler.Doug and Tony shared over 21 years of cherished memories as they shared a wonderful life, full of love, and traveling around the world. Some of their favorite places were The Bahamas, London, Paris, Switzerland, Italy, Mexico, Canada, and Ireland. But above all, as the true American he was, no matter where he traveled, Sgt. Douglas J. Dovre loved coming home to his country the best. Through the years, Doug's extended family grew; more friends, brothers, sisters, nieces and nephews.Here was a man, who thanked God for his blessings. In addition to his love for family, animals, and travel, Doug enjoyed cooking and entertaining.And anyone, who knew Doug, knew he appreciated people, kindness, and humor. This was his perfect recipe for life. Everyone was his friend which meant, everyone was his family. He was always laughing and cooking, cooking and laughing.Needless to say, he became one heck of a cook! You could always count on a wonderful meal when you were invited to dinner! He was always quick with a smile and even quicker with a laugh or two- which would throw him into uncontrollable laughter.He and everyone else around would end up on the floor rolling in tears of laughter.What a conversation piece it started at the next dinner party! Although Douglas battled up and down to maintain control over his health the past twelve years, he knew that God had trained and prepared his soldier with love, strength, and wisdom. When he was diagnosed with cancer in the summer of 2002, he knew life was the hardest job of all.But when he retired from service, he retired with the most glorious benefits of all.Doug was armed to face his final battle. On April 4th, 2003 at 7:15pm, four days before his 47th birthday, Doug won this battle, won control of his life and began his most glorious journey of all. He would travel to meet his heavenly Father. His father, Conrad, and great nephews, Tom, Jason, and John preceded Douglas in death.He is survived by his many friends, family, and life partner, Anthony Fowler; mother, Alice Dovre; sister, Sharon (Paul) Nasset; brothers, Dennis (Linda) Dovre and Donald(Elllie) Dovre; nephews, Ross (Wenie) Nasset, Cory Nasset, Brent (Kim) Dovre, Jon Dovre; nieces, Lori Nasset (Mike Tyge) and Tonya (Graig) Burt; along with nine great nieces and nephews. Douglas Jan Dovre was never a man to dwell on sorrow. He would dwell on love and laughter. With a wonderful warm twinkle in his eyes and a big beautiful smile on his face, he would tell you, and believe this - and you could hear; Rejoice and celebrate me, celebrate life.Today, is only the beginning. Please sign the guest book and share your most fondest and humorous memories with Doug.