Douglas Bruce Prestegaard

Douglas Bruce Prestegaard passed away peacefully after a life defined by faith, family, service, and unwavering integrity. He was preceded in death by his parents, MaryEllen (née Jones) Prestegaard and Henry O. Prestegaard; his brothers, Eric Prestegaard (Luanne) and Henry O. Prestegaard Jr. (Ann); and most recently, by the love of his life and wife of 55 years, Sharon Lynn Wells Prestegaard.

Doug is survived by his daughter, Ingrid Wells Prestegaard Royster, and son-in-law, Philip Royster. He also leaves behind three beloved grandchildren: Nicholas Andrew Royster (Susan); Emily Nicole Royster; and Ashley Noelle Royster; sisters-in-law Luanne and Ann; Aunt Marilyn Moen (Ron) and many nieces, nephews, and beloved cousins who filled his life with amazing memories of childhood.

Doug’s greatest joy in his later years came from watching his family continue to grow. He was affectionately known as “Bampa” a name first given to him by his oldest grandchild, Nick, and lovingly carried on by the next generation. His legacy lives on through his seven great-grandchildren: Jaxson, Jameson, Juliette, Judah, and soon-to-arrive Juniper Royster, and Theo and Clarke Berger.

Doug was born in Cresco, Iowa, while his father was serving in France during World War II. At just eighteen months old, he met his father for the first time when he returned home in the winter of 1945. That reunion marked the beginning of a childhood rooted in love, faith, and strong Midwestern values.

He was raised in the small farming community of Lee, Illinois, on Hardanger Gate, one of the town’s streets named by his mother, Mary Ellen. The street names reflected the Norwegian heritage woven deeply into the community and the Prestegaard family. Life in Lee centered on church, family, hard work, and neighbors who became lifelong friends. First Lutheran Church, built by the six Prestegaard brothers after their immigration from Norway in 1846, was the cornerstone of Doug’s upbringing and remained a source of pride throughout his life. He treasured growing up alongside his brothers, cousins, and friends. His favorite activities were playing basketball, and helping his father, an oil rigger and owner of Prestegaard Oil Company.

Following family tradition, Doug attended Luther College in Decorah, Iowa, where he earned dual bachelor’s degrees in chemistry and economics. Shortly after graduation, he answered another calling by joining the United States Army, following in the footsteps of his father.

Although his education led to a successful civilian career in chemistry and business, Doug always believed his true purpose was serving his country.

During a distinguished military career spanning 32 years, he served tours in Vietnam and later deployed to Kuwait during the Gulf War. Through exemplary leadership, dedication, and quiet humility, he rose to the rank of Lieutenant Colonel before retiring from military service.

Following retirement, Doug and Sharon made their home in Tampa, Florida, where they enjoyed being close to their daughter and growing family. Retirement became a season devoted to family, especially his roles as grandfather and later great-grandfather. Whether attending school events, sharing stories, teaching life lessons, or simply spending time together, Bampa’s wisdom, love, and work ethic became a constant source of strength for those who knew him.

Doug believed in quiet philanthropy and contributed to many causes every month. He volunteered for the MS Society in memory of his brother, the Red Cross, local hospitals, and, most recently, as a Tampa Bay Ambassador at Tampa International Airport.

Doug will be remembered as a man of unwavering character whose life was guided by faith, duty, humility, and love. He believed in serving others, honoring commitments, working hard, and putting family first. His strength and steadfast example leave a legacy that will continue for generations.

His family finds comfort in knowing that Doug is now reunited with Sharon, the love of his life, and hopes that he is playing cards with his brothers and parents. His memory will forever remain in the hearts of all who had the privilege of calling him husband, father, Bampa, friend, and patriot.

Douglas will be laid to rest at Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington, Virginia, with full military honors at a future date, determined by Arlington.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Doug’s memory to:

1. Humane Society of Tampa Bay 🐾

https://hstb.givecloud.co/product/Donate/help-save-lives

Scroll to “Dedicate” and enter In Memory of Douglas Prestegaard.

Family notification: [email protected] or 8715 Tahiti Ln., Tampa, FL 33615

2. Vesterheim Norwegian-American Museum & Folk Art School 🇳🇴

https://vesterheim.org/join-give/

Choose One-Time Donation → Next.

3. Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) 🇺🇸

Donations may be made to Doug’s VFW in Waterman, Illinois, or to your local VFW in Douglas Prestegaard’s memory.