Douglas "Doug" Arthur DeMuth, age 75 of Starbuck, died Thursday, October 1, 2026 at Essentia Health in Fargo, North Dakota. A memorial service celebrating him will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, October 9, 2026 at Calvary Lutheran Church in Glenwood with Pastor Dallas Biga officiating. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service at the church. Inurnment will be in the Vesta Cemetery. Arrangements are with the Hoplin-Hitchcock Funeral Home in Glenwood.

Doug was born June 5, 1951, in Marshall, Minnesota, the second of three children born to Emil and Mildred (Kletscher) DeMuth. He grew up in Marshall and graduated from Marshall High School in 1969. He went on to attend Jackson Vocational Technical College in Jackson, Minnesota, where he earned a degree in plumbing.

On June 5, 1971, Doug married Janet K. Brockberg, beginning a marriage that spanned 55 years. Together, they raised four children and built their home and life in Marshall, spending their weekends on Lake Minnewaska. In retirement, they moved to Starbuck, where they enjoyed their home on the lake.

Doug spent 35 years working for Marshall Municipal Utilities. He was a natural helper, always willing to lend a hand, whether at work or at home. If something was broken, he wanted to fix it. If someone needed help, he was there. He had a practical way of looking at things and a knack for figuring out how to make something work. He was also naturally social and could strike up a conversation with just about anyone.

His faith was an important part of his life. He attended Christ Evangelical Lutheran Church in Marshall, Minnesota, and later became a member of Calvary Lutheran Church in Glenwood, where he served as treasurer.

Doug found happiness in the simple things in life. He enjoyed being outdoors, cutting and splitting wood for the fireplace, and spending time with family, friends, and neighbors. He enjoyed raising Labrador puppies and hunting with his dogs over the years, especially when his children and grandchildren joined him. Those outings were opportunities to be together, share stories, laugh, and make lasting memories. Of course, anyone who missed a shot could count on Doug to make sure they didn’t hear the end of it! He also enjoyed fishing and being on the water, making Lake Minnewaska a special place for him and his family.

Doug loved a good game of cribbage and was rarely beaten. He enjoyed gardening and took pride in growing food and helping with canning in the kitchen. He was happiest when he was doing something with his hands or working on a project in his shed.

Doug was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend. He loved his family deeply and found some of his greatest joy in watching his children and grandchildren grow. He leaves behind not only memories, but also the lessons he taught through the way he lived - work hard, help others, have faith, enjoy the outdoors, and always make time for the people you love.

Doug is survived by his wife of 55 years, Janet DeMuth of Starbuck; son, Ryan (Melissa) DeMuth; daughters, Wendy (Richard) DeMuth-Black, Bethann (Eric) Odegaard, and Lacey (Tim) Kesteloot; grandchildren, Kristy DeMuth, Dan DeMuth, Yahya (Hailiy) Black, Avery Black, Ethyn Odegaard, Joleigh Kesteloot, and Kiptyn Kesteloot; sister, Carolyn Svenddal; brother, Roger DeMuth; a niece, nephews, other relatives, and many friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Emil and Mildred DeMuth.

Doug will be deeply missed by his family and all who knew and loved him. His willingness to help, his easy conversation, his sense of humor, and his love for family will live on in the hearts of those whose lives he touched.