Douglas "Doug" Dobler

douglas

Douglas Keith Dobler, 63, died on January 5, 2013 of cancer at home surrounded by his family.  He was born September 9, 1949 to Ethel and Waldemar Dobler.

 Family moved to Fargo at age 14. Doug attended school at Ben Franklin Jr. High School and graduated from Fargo North High School. He then attended college at Jamestown and NDSU.

In 1968, he married Karen Zubke. They would have been married 45 years in March. They resided in Fargo, North Dakota. They had 2 daughters and 5 grandchildren who were his pride and joy.

He was employed at Crane Johnson, and then employed at NSP/Xcel for 39 years as a lineman. He retired from Xcel just before being diagnosed with melanoma. Doug had many interests. He enjoyed hunting in Wyoming over the past 40 years, fishing, golfing, playing softball and having friends over in “Doug’s clubhouse”. He was an avid Bison and Vikings fan. He was also the number one fan for his grandchildren’s sport activities.

Over the years Doug and Karen made many lifetime friends that they are very thankful for and will never be forgotten. He appreciated all of their love and support they provided during this difficult time. Doug has always taught his children and grandchildren that friends and family are extremely important.

Surviving Doug is his wife, Karen, his daughters Sara (Hal) Terrell, Jill Smith and 5 grandchildren Matt, Jared, Austin, Alexis and Brayden and several special nieces and nephews. Preceding him in death were his parents, two brothers Dick and Bob, his mother in law Lena Zubke and father in law Orville Zubke.

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  1. Fargo, ND
    Karen,Sara and Jill
    So sorry to hear about Doug
    He was a very special person.Iremenber when he came over to help me with Bob.
    When I talk to Jill she said Doug wasn’t doing well. When I left to go to Mikes for Xmas, I ask my friend to watch the paper in case he passed when I was here..

    She called me last week with the news. I’m so sorry I couldn’t be there to join family and friend to celebrate Dougs life and share memories.
    lKnow that Mike and I are thinking of your family at this difficult time.
    May your many memories be a comfort to you in the days to come.

  2. coopersburg PAMy sympathies & fond regards to Doug’s family. I was one of his many high school classmates, North High Class of 1967. I am saddened to hear of Doug’s passing. In my memory and from what I have read, he represents the true grit of our Fargo home, our state of North Dakota
    and of our nation – always strong but kind, welcoming, understanding and willing to help. I am certain his family & community will always remember him such, just as I do, who has not seen him for 45 years!
    David W. Anderson

  3. Detroit Lakes mnSo sorry to hear of doug’s passing-he was such a kind man & wonderful best of friend to my brother John-I know someone who is ready to greet him-Life is short but Doug sure had a blessed one. Keep his memory alive Karen Jill & Sarah, I truly believe it heals the healing. Sending my hugs

  4. Grassy Butte ND
    Hi Karen,
    We just heard about your families terrible loss. We hope it helps to know we are praying for you and your family during your difficult loss. Such a shock and so young. May the happy memories help you through the sad times.
    Love,
    Leroy and Del La Mar

  5. Oakes North Dakota
    Karen, I don’t know if you remember me but I used to work in the NICU at MeritCare. I just wanted you to know my thoughts and prayers are with you during this time.

  6. FARGO n.d.Doug,
    You have been a inspirational man,father,husband,and grandfather.
    I have known you for yrs threw Karen.
    There’s a thread that you have woven from love, for your family and friends. those moments shared by you and with you will live on in our memories forever.
    And this will be a beacon to guide us and sustain us all without your earthly presance.

  7. Aurora COKaren, Sara & Jill:
    May your fond memories help you this difficult time. Remembering is to honor Doug who will always be that special light in your heart. Prayers are with you all.

  8. Reno NVDear Karen & family,
    It is with great sorrow that I send you my hug. It still seems like yesterday that we were in class together or heading out to a Fargo North sporting event. I remember Doug’s smile and yours too Karen! May you linger with fond memories which will help to comfort your heart.
    Love,
    Sue Stites

  9. Fargo ND
    Karen and family,
    Lee and I send our deepest sympathy to your whole family regarding the loss of Doug – husband, father, grandpa, and dear neighbor. We’ve appreciated Doug’s friendliness and easy-going ways over the years. He was always ready to visit, lend a helping hand, or even just give a friendly wave across the street. It was a privilege to know him and we will not forget him. Wishing peace and love to you all… Lee & Kay Sizer

  10. Lake park mnKaren and family,
    So sorry for your loss. We are so thankful to have known Doug when he worked at NSP and hopefully our memories will get us through these difficult times. He was blesed with many friends and I hope he and Jim are sitting together up in heaven. {not having a cocktail I’m sure) Our prayers are with you.
    Dave and BrennaLauerman Grund

  11. Moorhead MN
    Karen, Sara, and Jill: You are in our thoughts and prayers. Paul and I will not be able to attend on Saturday and even though we won’t be there all of you and Doug will be in our thoughts.

  12. FARGO ndKAREN,SARA,JILL,AND FAMILY
    I AM SENDING PRAYERS ON ANGELS WINGS,TO YOUR DAD,AND FAMILY.
    I PRAY FOR DOUG THAT HE IS NOW SURROUNDED BY ANGELS THAT HAVE LEAD HIM TO THE LORD,AND HEAVEN.
    WHERE HE WILL WATCH OVER ALL OF HIS LOVED ONES,TIL YOU ALL MEET AGAIN.

    GOD BLESS YOU ALL,
    LOVE,
    DAWN,KAREN
    SCHMECHEL

  13. Leola PaI am saddened to hear of the passing of Doug. I remember our high school days and he was a very well liked boy. My thoughts and prayers are with your family.

  14. My heart is with you. You were THE couple everyone longs to be. You, Karen, have been Doug’s rock and protection. My deepest condolences. I love you, two.

  15. Belle Fourche SDWe are so sorry for your loss. Doug was such a special, and talented man. We will miss seeing his smiling face at the Thanksgiving feast at Bob and Alicias. He will be missed by many.

  16. Jacksonville N.C.Karen and family, Please accept my sincere sympathy for your loss. Doug was a special person who set the example for all to follow. Although I have not talked with Doug for many years, he is etched in my mind’s eye as a person who said what he did, and always did what he said. He had a moral compass that pointed true in every instance and situation. In high school, he was known for his support of of others who needed help. He was so blessed to have such a strong and wonderful legacy – his family. My thoughts and prayers are with you all as you deal with this most difficult challenge.
    Sincerely, Bill Darner

  17. Plymouth MN
    Karen, Sara, Jill and families–

    I am so sorry. Doug was so well loved and respected, by all who knew him. My heart goes out to all of you. You are all close in my thoughts.

    Beth Pastir

  18. Fargo NORTH DAKOTAOh Dobie…..I’m so sorry……you meant the world to Doug and he to you. I’m feel badly that I hadn’t called after the holidays. I am, however, glad that Doug was able to know that you were taken care of, and that you are surrounded by family and friends. You are in my thoughts and prayers — please let us know what you need!

  19. fargo ND
    I always counted “Dobie” as one of my friends, even though we hadn’t spent much time together over the last several years. He will be missed. Happy Hunting, friend.

  20. Aurora ColoradoOur Deepest Sympathies to your family. Doug touched many lives over the years and will be missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him!


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