Doug Thydean

Doug Thydean, 68, of Littlefork passed away January 13, 2023, at St. Mary’s Hospital in Duluth.

A Celebration of Life will be held at later date. 

Doug was born December 18, 1954 to Reynold and Mary Thydean, in Bigfork. He spent his childhood on the family farm outside Bigfork until 1968 when he and the family moved to Littlefork. He graduated from Littlefork-Big Falls School in 1973, and that fall Doug joined the U.S. Air Force and was stationed at Edwards Air Force Base, CA. He studied to become an Electric Power Line Specialist and upon discharge from the service took a job as a civilian electrician back at the base. He later worked as and got an electrician with the National Park Service in Estes Park, CO.  His final job for the federal government was with the Bureau of Reclamation as an electrician at the Estes Power Plant. 

Doug was married to his first wife, Mary Lottman, in 1979, and had his only child, a son, Chase, born in 1983. They raised Chase together in their Estes Park home until they divorced in 1991.

Doug met and married Brenda Lavelle and they moved to Staples in 2005. Doug bred and raised German Shorthair Pointers, was a skilled trainer of bird dogs and a sought-after hunting guide for Little Moran Hunting Club. Doug had a creative side; along with his skills as an electrician, he was a talented carpenter, often helping family and friends with projects.

After his divorce from Brenda, Doug remained in Staples. He continued to raise dogs and pursue his interests in hunting, fishing and spending his love of the outdoors with friends and family.

Doug recently moved back to Littlefork because of multiple health problems to be closer to family. 

He is survived by his former spouses; his dearly loved son; five grandchildren, Aubrey, Teryn, Evan, Lila and Brighton; three brothers, Robert (Jan), Leroy (Barb Gurstelle) and Todd (Trina Thompson); two sisters, Gin (Ken) Ziemba and Beverly (Gerald) Houglum; Uncle John (Elaine) Greene, Aunt Nancy Bement and close friend, Joneene Lobe and Uncle Tom Karsnia as well as many other special friends and relatives including Janeal Thydean and Rana Thydean and numerous cousins, nieces and nephews.  

Doug was preceded in death by his parents

Many thanks to best friend Curt (KC) Foster for helping Doug on his final journey, to all the other friends and caregivers who provided such wonderful support to Doug and to Brian and Pat Kehoe for taking in Angel, Doug’s last dog, who brought him so much happiness in his final days. 

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