Doug, the son of Amy Oelke, was born February 7, 1936, in Minot, North Dakota. He graduated from Prairie Bible Institute in Alberta, Canada. He attended 1 more year of Bible training from Prairie Bible Institute before attending Bethel College in St. Paul, MN where he majored in philosophy and history. After his graduation he attended Bethel Seminary where he graduated with a Bachelor of Theology. While attending seminary he was a student pastor in Avery, Wisconsin and Houston, Minnesota where he met the love of his life Lois Egland. They were married June 9, 1962. He pastored the following churches: First Baptist Church of Norway, Michigan; Elim Baptist Church of Rochester, Minnesota; First Baptist Church of Hawarden, Iowa; First Baptist Church of Centerville, Iowa; First Baptist Church of Newton, Iowa; First Baptist Church of Oneonta, New York; Tabernacle Baptist Church of Schenectady, New York; and he was intern pastor at First Baptist Church of Corydon, Iowa after his retirement and also was a substitute teacher in the Newton School System.
He received a Bachelor of Science Degree and teaching certificate from Winona State College, Winona, Minnesota. He also received a Doctor of Ministry Degree from Bethel College and Seminary.
Doug’s greatest joys were serving Jesus and loving his family. He also enjoyed watching the Hawkeyes and other sports, going to the YMCA, walking, gardening, being in nature, fishing, antiquing, entertaining, and ice skating. Doug and Lois were blessed with four children. Amy (Richard) Mally of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, Roxanne (Robert) Schlatter of Columbia City, Indiana, Sarah McGill of Pella, Iowa, and Mark (Cherilynn) Oelke of Newton, Iowa. They were also blessed with 11 grandchildren and 7 great grandchildren. He has 1 brother and 5 half-sisters and 3 half-brothers.
Well done thou good and faithful servant! Matthew 25:21
In lieu of flowers or trees, memorial donations may be given to Heritage of Sharing (American Baptist Churches Retired Ministers and Missionaries fund).
