Douglas Steiger died peacefully October 21 after six months of hospice care. He was born November 28, 1927 in Detroit, and moved to Traverse City at age 9. Growing up in Northern Michigan instilled a love of the outdoors that he passed on to his children through many camping, fishing, and hiking trips. He graduated from Traverse City High School, and joined the U.S. Army in 1945 at age 17. After basic training, he attended Michigan State College for one semester under the Army Specialized Training Reserve Program (ASTRP), then served until returning to MSC in 1947. There he met Odette Mirza. They graduated in 1951 and were married in 1953. She died in 2011, shortly after their 58th anniversary.
Doug began his career working for Cadillac in Detroit, while earning an MBA from Wayne State. He then spent 35 years with Chrysler, including a 5-year assignment in New Orleans. Along the way, he and Odette raised three children: Susan (John Lichtenberg), David, and Roger (Megan). They blessed their parents with five beloved grandchildren.
In retirement, Doug and Odette enjoyed traveling throughout the U.S. and Europe. He was active at the Rochester Older Persons’ Commission (OPC), Oakland County Citizens Emergency Response Team (CERT), and University Presbyterian Church. He enjoyed genealogy and archaeology and was an active member of the MSU College of Social Science Alumni Association. He also sought out opportunities to help friends and family in many ways.
In addition to his children and grandchildren, Doug is survived by his brother Richard Steiger, four great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.
A visitation will be held at University Presbyterian Church at 1PM on November 15, followed by the funeral service at 2 PM.
Contributions can be made to OPC Meals on Wheels or The Nature Conservancy:
Older Persons Commission
OPC
650 Letica Dr.
Rochester, MI 48307
(include Meals on Wheels in the memo line)
www.opcseniorcenter.org
The Nature Conservancy
www.nature.org
