Douglas Anthony Tarmann

Doug was born in Minneapolis, Minnesota to Clarence and Violet Tarmann. As the oldest of 3 boys, Doug was often the ringleader for all sorts of fun and games. After a few years in Minnesota, the family moved around, spending time in Montana and Oregon, where Doug graduated from Gresham High School in 1953. Doug was active in the United States National Guard after high school, serving 3 years with pride. After his time with the National Guard, Doug attended UC Berkeley, before leaving to join the United States Air Force, where he was an Honors Graduate from the Keesler USAFB Technical Training School. Doug was also a sharpshooter in the Air Force, once angering his superior officers when he refused to allow a visiting colonel to win a shooting competition. It was while stationed in Minot, North Dakota that Doug met his future wife Eleanore Kathrein, and they married in May 1962.

After getting married, Doug went back to school, receiving a bachelor’s degree in chemistry from the University of Minnesota. While finishing his degree, Lockheed Martin came calling, luring Doug and his new bride to California shortly after graduation.

After moving to California, Doug spent the next 60 years raising 3 children with Eleanore, coaching numerous soccer and softball teams for his kids. He quickly became a favorite dad for many of the kids he coached using his humor and quick wit to win over the teens.

After losing his beloved Eleanore in 2003, Doug found himself unsure of how to spend his time, so he joined a local running club. It took about 3 weeks for him to finally catch on as to why everyone in the club kept referring to marathons; unbeknownst to Doug, he hadn’t just joined a running club, he had joined a marathon training club. Never one to back down from a challenge, Doug threw himself into the training, running his first marathon at the age of 68 and running his 2nd marathon just 30 days later. Doug proceeded to run 5 more marathons, along with several half marathons and 15k races. During this time, Doug also learned to ski and shortly after that, he picked up snowboarding. His zest for life was evident to everyone he met, and he was a huge source of inspiration to those around him.

Doug is survived by his brothers Jerry (Emily), Fred (Phyllis), and his 3 children, Paul, Beth (Sanjay) Patel, and Jenn (Ian) Kindberg plus many cousins, nieces, and nephews. He was also greatly adored by his 10 grandchildren, Michelle, Audrey, Steven, Adam, Jayna (Sean), Jaysan, Declan, Teagan, Brooker, and Bronson, along with 5 great-grandchildren, and was looking forward to the birth of his 6th great grandchild due in September.

A celebration of life will be held June 27, 2025, at Lima Family Erickson in Willow Glen at 11AM, 710 Willow Street, San Jose, followed by lunch and burial at Oak Hill Memorial Park at 3:00 PM.