Douglas “Doug” Cole

Macken Funeral Home Memorial Photo
Date of Birth:
Monday, January 26, 1925
Date of Death:
Monday, February 11, 2013
Age:
88 years old

Visitation

Date: Thursday February 14, 2013
Time: 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm

Location: River Park Chapel at Macken Funeral Home [ view map ]

Second Visitation

Date: Friday February 15, 2013
Time: 10:00 am

Location: St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church [ view map ]

Funeral Mass

Date: Friday February 15, 2013
Time: 11:00 am

Location: St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church [ view map ]

Burial

Location: Calvary Cemetery [ view map ]

Macken Funeral Home Memorial Photo
Date of Birth:
Monday, January 26, 1925
Date of Death:
Monday, February 11, 2013
Age:
88 years old
Macken Funeral Home Memorial Photo
Date of Birth:
Monday, January 26, 1925
Date of Death:
Monday, February 11, 2013
Age:
88 years old

Douglas “Doug” Cole

Douglas Charles Cole, age 88, formerly of Rochester, passed away on February 11, 2013 at Mercy Hospital in Coon Rapids, MN.

Doug was born January 26, 1925 in Campbellsport, WI. He graduated from Campbellsport High School in 1942. Following graduation he enlisted in the US Navy, serving as a Corpsman in the South Pacific during WWII. After the war ended, he graduated from Rochester Junior College. He married Therese “Tess” Healy on June 27, 1953 at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church. He was the manager of Noelkes Store until 1968, and retired from Mayo Clinic in 1986. He was a long-time member of St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church, Rochester Elks Lodge, VFW, American Legion, and the Knights of Columbus. Doug enjoyed all sports, and in the 1950’s he was one of the organizers of officiating for Little League Baseball in Rochester. He also officiated high school and college football for over 19 years.

Doug is survived by two daughters Barbara (William) DeVahl of Woodbury, MN, Mary Anne (Greg) Geronsin of Coon Rapids, MN a son Charles (Cheryl) of Cross Lake, MN six grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren.

He is preceded in death by his parents Charles and Irene Cole and his wife Tess (2006).

A Funeral Mass for Doug will be held at 11:00AM on Friday, February 15, 2013 at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church with Rev. Mark McNea officiating. Visitation will be held on Thursday, February 14, 2013 from 5:00pm to 7:00pm in the River Park Chapel at Macken Funeral Home and one hour prior to services at the church.  Burial will be in Calvary Cemetery.

Memorials are preferred to Mayo Hospice or St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church.

Condolences

The family of Douglas “Doug” Cole has received the following condolences.

Barb, Mary Anne & Chuck... We were so saddened to hear of your father's passing. We have such wonderful memories of him and your entire family. You'll be in my thoughts and prayers as you continue to celebrate his life. Blessings to you!

Mary Jo

I was so sorry to read about Doug's death.  He was a good man who loved his family.  You were good neighbors to have around so it is a loss for the neighborhood as well.  I have fond memories of him playing catch with Chuck (the only kid in the neighborhood who had a catcher's mitt which was pretty cool.) I also remember hunting for night crawlers and having to walk softly and use a flashlight.  He will be missed. 

Thoughts and prayers are with the family.    I grew up in the 9th Avenue area but on the other side of the 6th Street bridge.     I knew Doug from work, St Francis Church and I do believe Chicks Eastside Inn.    I worked with Doug for may years in the Business Office at Mayo Clinic.   Enjoyed working with him as he always had a friendly greeting and smile.    I think everyone of us was his "kiddo".     He will be truly missed by everyone. 

Dear Barb, Chuck and Mary,

My condolences to your family over the passing of your Dad.  Not only was he my Uncle, he was my Godfather.  Although we didn't visit as much as we should have, when we did I fondly remember those times.  I was blessed to be able to speak with Uncle Doug right around the New Year, that I am thankful for.  May god bless your family and my Uncle Doug find peace and consolation with dear Aunt Tess in Heaven.  Kevin, Suzanne, Maria and Lily

What sweet people Doug and Tess were.  I had the pleasure of helping them with their banking needs but was also able to support them during Tess's illness.  Doug and I had many lovely conversations and he always called me "kiddo" which makes a 63 year old feel young!  I thought of him last week, because I've been out of work for a while I hadn't seen him in over a year.  We also shared the same barber, Miss Wendy bless her too.

Doug was our Daily Mass server and friend at St. Francis of Assisi Church in Rochester.  We made a little album to have him remember his group of guys that chatted after Mass.  We missed him when he moved, but glad he was with family.  Our deepest sympathy to Doug's family.  Gene and Marilyn Treder

Our condolences to the entire Cole Family. 

Having just lost my Mom, Marian Klaseus (Amy's grandmother), we do know what you are experiencing and what a sad time it is for your all.

Please know that you all are in our thoughts and prayers.

In love and sympathy,

Sue Klaseus and family

Barb, Chuck and Mary Anne,

My sympathy to you all on the loss of your dad.  I remember fondly growing up across the street from your family and what a great neighborhood we lived in. 

I also remember house sitting and going over to let Muffy out.  Boy your folks loved that dog.

We have lost both of our parents as well and that circle of life is sometimes hard to accept.  Keep their memories fresh and treasure the stories people are sharing!  It will be a comfort to you at this difficult time.

 

Hi Cousins,

We spent many hours playing and getting together as family in our younger years. As I returned to Rochester as an adult, I would go and see Uncle Doug. He always called me "Suz" and welcomed me into your family home and we would talk. He and my Dad had many happy memories together and he would share them with me. I know how much he loved Aunt Tess and he would show me pictures and talk about her Santa collection.

I know how it is when both parents are gone. You face life square in the face and you begin to recognize how very short life is and how important family is. It creates an emptiness that cannot be filled. I will miss Uncle Doug and his special name for me but I know I will seee him again on the other side.

If I can offer some advice to you three, please take time for you. Allow yourselves to grieve as we all grieve in different ways and sometimes that grief hits you broadside quite unexpectedly. Hospice people are angels. Don't be afraid to reach out to them for support and literature. Hug each other, love each othe,r and cherish the time as family. Journal those memories, it helps immensely. I believe God gives us Grandchildren as our parents die to help us through this tough time.

Just know I care but cannot make the trip from Oregon. I am there in thought and in prayer and know I am only a phone call or e-mail away. Much much love and many hugs,

Cousin Sue

 

My sympathy to all of the members of the Cole family.  I became acquainted with Doug and Tess as a result of my relationship with Ms. Laura Healy.  Doug and Tess were a Class Act to say the least.  After the deaths of Tess and Laura I had coffee with Doug on numerous occasions.  Doug was always upbeat.  He will be missed. 

Barb, MaryAnne and Chuck--I am so very sorry to hear about your dad.  Know that you are in my thoughts at this very difficult time.  Keeping you in my prayers.