Obituary of Douglas George Wigdahl

Douglas George “Doug” Wigdahl, 76, passed away at the University of Minnesota Hospital on Wednesday, April 10, 2024. Doug fought a noble battle against heart disease and cancer for several months prior to his passing.

Doug was born on December 14, 1947, to Melvin “Pete” and Juanita “Nita” Wigdahl in Vermillion, SD. When Doug was 6 years old, the family moved to a farm near Kensington, MN. Doug walked to the nearby one room country school for 1st through 5th grades. From 6th through 10th grades, he attended Hoffman Public Schools where his mom, Nita, was a teacher. Doug attended Kensington for his Junior year of high school before the family moved to Falcon Heights in 1965. Doug graduated from Alexander Ramsey (now Roseville) High School in 1966. 

While attending college at the University of Minnesota, Doug met Sherilyn McGovern. They married on November 3, 1970.  Their son Forrest was born in 1975. While Doug and Sheri divorced, they remained close friends over the years, and loved each other to their dying days.

Doug completed his degree in Social Work and spent the majority of his working career at the University of Minnesota. He began as an Orderly in the ER as a student and was an Administrator in the Childrens Oncology Clinic for over 25 years.

When Forrest began dating Sara, Doug happily accepted her and her three children into his family. Doug now had three grown bonus grandchildren in Keeley, Brannon, and Devin Winters. He was then blessed with two more grandchildren, Ainsley and Alexander Wigdahl. Doug was very proud of his family and worked stories about them into conversation.

Doug will be remembered for his wonderful smile, sense of humor, his generosity, being socially conscious, and his willingness to lend a helping hand. His garden and yard were the envy of his neighbors. He also loved to cook, always bringing the lefse and krumkake to holiday family gatherings. Donning the red Santa hat, Doug was always ready to distribute the presents at the Wigdahl Christmas parties.

He is preceded in death by his dear friend Sheri, parents Pete and Nita Wigdahl, Grandparents, and many aunts, uncles, and cousins.

Doug is survived by son Forrest (Sara), grandchildren, Ainsley and Alexander Wigdahl, bonus grandsons Keeley, Brannon, and Devin Winters. Brother David Wigdahl of Ely, MN, beloved nieces and nephews, extended family, friends, and neighbors.

There will be a visitation from 12:00-1:00 on Friday, April 19, 2024. There will be a celebration of life starting after the visitation. We ask that friends and family share stories in memory of Doug.