He was born January 31, 1949 in Vermillion, South Dakota to Rosemary Mann Nelson and Dale Burdette Nelson.
As a child he lived in various places across the United States eventually settling in Kansas.
He attended Liberal High School in Liberal, Kansas where he graduated salutatorian of his class. Doug excelled in academics but also had a love for sports and music. He was the quarterback of the football team, played basketball, ran track and played trombone in the high school band.
He went on to Wichita State University in Wichita, Kansas to obtain a BS degree in aeronautical engineering and was a member of several scholastic organizations and Phi Delta Theta Fraternity. It was there that he met his wife, Suzi, on a blind date in his freshman year. They were married December 1970 and moved shortly thereafter to Stillwater, Oklahoma so that Doug could further his engineering education. He would earn his MS degree in Acoustic engineering at Oklahoma State University.
His career began with Pratt Whitney Aircraft in Hartford, Connecticut. When an opportunity arose to work for IBM Computers, he moved to Austin, Texas where he lived, raised his family, and worked for the rest of his life and career. He spent 23 years with IBM before making a change to Dell Computers for 15 years. Following his time with these two companies, he was an independent consultant helping other corporations with management structure. In his last years before retirement, he was Director of Operations at his church, Triumphant Love Lutheran Church.
He loved Triumphant Love Lutheran Church where he was a charter member. Over the years he held various positions including president of the congregation, member of the church council and choir director. He led congregational music using his talents as a guitarist and vocalist. In addition, he served on various committees including worship and music and stewardship.
Doug was such a great planner and organizer. He was well suited for a career in engineering, yet it was his outgoing, optimistic personality that made him such an asset to leadership. He could get the ship steered in the right direction and had a knack for problem solving and helping others find a solution. It made him an excellent private pilot and sailor who could indulge in the excitement of those hobbies yet do it with the upmost caution. His careful planning and checks would drive his family crazy, but literally every time, his planning would always be what saved the day! He loved the quality time spent with friends and the many travels they would take across the globe. Hawaii was his favorite getaway to relax, play golf, and enjoy uninterrupted time with his family. Family was Doug’s heart. He was devoted to his wife and daughters, son in law, and the apple of his eye, his grandson Tony.
He is survived by his loving wife of 50 years, Suzanne Merideth Nelson and daughters Erin Bruno and Lindsay Nelson; Son in law Anthony Bruno and grandson Tony Bruno. His brother Scott Nelson and sister in law Patty Nelson of Kansas City, Kansas; sister Vici Myers and brother in law Tommy Myers of Wichita, Kansas; sister Shelby Bainey and brother in law Brad Bainey of Annandale, Minnesota; Niece Ami Rhodes Higgins of Wichita, Kansas; Nephew Rion Rhodes of Hutchinson, Kansas, Nieces Dr. Brooke Nelson of Kansas City, Kansas; Kandee Kay Marchel of Wichita, Kansas; Mindy Marchel of Minneapolis, Minnesota; Samantha Jorgenson of Kansas City, Kansas; Cousins Dick Nelson of Overland Park, Kansas; Marcia Bishop of Hot Springs, South Dakota; Jim Nelson of Belton, Missouri; Nancy Hecker of Phoenix, Arizona; Tom Peace of Edmond, Oklahoma and Rick Peace of Bakersfield, California; Bob Peace, Santa Barbara, California.
Interment for family only in Resurrection Garden Triumphant Love Lutheran Church. A Tribute to Life Service for family, friends, and congregation will be held at Triumphant Love Lutheran Church. Date of service to be announced.
Donations may be sent to St Jude Children’s Hospital, Capital Area Food Bank in Austin, Texas and Conspirare choral ensemble in Austin, Texas or the charity of your choice.
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