Douglas Gordon Haehnel

Douglas Gordon Haehnel, was born in Detroit, Michigan to Charles Edward Haehnel and Beulah Olive Dalrympal. Douglas passed away peacefully in his Charlotte, Michigan home, on Monday, June 9, 2025 at the age of 86.

When Doug was 5 years old, his father Chuck was remarried to Muriel Haehnel and together they gave Doug 7 siblings. Muriel loved and cared for Doug like he was one of her own and the word "step" or "half" was never used in their family.

Doug served his country and was honorably discharged from the United States Army. He then earned a degree with honors from the Lansing Business College. During college, he met the love of his life, official soulmate and best friend, Dorothy Ann Nelson "Dot" and together they lived life to the fullest. Doug and Dot were married the first day of deer season on November 15, 1963 which Dot's family never forgave her for. Doug's little sister Linda was a flower-girl, his sister Nancy was a bridesmaid, and his brother Tom was his best-man.

Together, Doug and Dot raised two children David (Angie) and Rick. They raised their family mainly in the Lansing and Eaton Rapids areas. They enjoyed camping and snowmobiling as a family at their resort property in Sandy Pines, Hopkins, Michigan. They had that property for over 25 years and hosted many large family parties full of fun, food, bonfires, and singing as Dot played the autoharp. Doug never smoked or drank alcohol, but he found true joy in simply living life and embracing every moment.

In his early career life, Doug insisted on being his own boss and became an entrepreneur. He and Dot owned the "Dog House" Restaurant which was open 24/7. They also purchased an apartment complex with 52 apartments. He put Dot and the kids to work cleaning and maintaining the buildings after work and school. Eventually, he agreed to have a boss and entered the corporate world and worked as a computer programer for AIS Construction in Grand Rapids, Michigan. He retired after 28 successful years.

When he retired, Doug and Dot moved to Old Bridge Village Retirement Community in N. Fort Meyers, Florida located on the Caloosahatchee River . They loved being the "youngest retirees" in the neighborhood. They often could be found Kayaking or driving their boat down the river that flowed from the Gulf of Mexico to the Atlantic Ocean and would enjoy seeing manatees and other wildlife all along the way. Doug was very active in his retirement. He was the Director of the Social Alliance Organization at Old Bridge. Doug also played softball and on the weekends, he and Dot worked at the local Flea-Market for about nine years. He rarely relaxed, but when he did, he could be found listening to old country music while eating his favorite comfort foods; any meat & potato dish and especially chicken & dumplings. His favorite came from his sister Nancy who made them for him whenever he came to Michigan to visit.

Later, Doug and Dot decided to move to Gilbertsville, Kentucky to be closer to their son David, his wife Angie and their granddaughter Cayce. Eventually coming back home to Michigan and settling in Charlotte to be closer to Dot's family. Rick has since been a gentle caregiver of Doug along with Dot until his last day.

Doug was the beloved husband of Dorothy Ann Haehnel for 61 years. Loving father of David (Angie) Haehnel and Rick Haehnel. Dear grandfather of Cayce Rogers and Dylan Haehnel. Proud great-grandfather of Brayden Mathis and Jaxon Mathis.

Brother of Tom (Rose) Haehnel, Nancy (Carl) Spiess, Bob (Karen) Haehnel, Chuckie (Terry) Haehnel, Linda (Rob) Toth, Laurie Sims and the late James Buchanan Haehnel (2003). Brother in law of Russell (Jean) Nelson and Barb (Robert) Franks.

Doug will also be missed by nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends that are too numerous to name.

Doug was an eternal optimist and he would always look at the bright side of things. Doug had a gentle soul, a kind heart, and a warm smile that will be deeply missed.