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1928 Douglas 2017

Douglas David Pflaum

August 15, 1928 — August 15, 2017

Douglas David Pflaum, born the 15th of August, 1928, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family, on his 89th birthday, August 15th, 2017.

The fourth son of Clarence Curtis Pflaum, MD and Josephine Trenda Pflaum, Douglas was born in Columbia, MO and spent the first few years of his life near the Ozarks. Around 5 years of age, the family relocated to Duluth, MN and then Northfield, MN following the passing of his father, a pathologist.

In 1946, Douglas graduated from Northfield High School and promptly enlisted in the U.S. Army. He served in the 182nd Parachute Infantry Regiment, Airborne Division as Private First Class from 1946 - 1948. He subsequently returned to Northfield and graduated from St. Olaf College with a Bachelor of Science degree in Chemistry in 1952. During his college years, he met his future wife, Ruth Elizabeth Bear of Northfield, MN, who was also a student at St. Olaf College. They married on May 9, 1953 and settled in the suburbs of Minneapolis, MN.

During his years as a chemist, Douglas worked at Bemis Company, Inc. until 1960, then relocated to Michigan where he worked in automobile industry research & development until 1981 when the family relocated back to Minnesota. He continued his career at Gemini Industry in Cannon Falls until his retirement.

Douglas was a long-time active member of Prince of Peace Church in Burnsville, MN (transferring membership to First Lutheran when he moved closer to family in 2016). Above all, Douglas enjoyed spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren, traveling with his wife, Ruth (favorite locale being the United Kingdom), and relaxing at his cabin on the lake in Northern Minnesota.

Douglas is survived by his wife, Ruth, and three children, Douglas (Anne) Pflaum, MD, of Lake City, MN, Jeana (Fred) Hahn of Lake Tahoe, CA, and Joan (Tom) Novak of Eden Prairie, MN; five grandchildren (Helene, Alexa, Douglas, Emma and Jennie); one great-grandchild (Olivia). He is preceded in death by brothers Byron, Leroy, Ronald, Duane, Franklin; sister Shirley; and parents.

A Memorial Service will be held Saturday, August 19th at 11:00 am at First Lutheran Church in Lake City with Reverend Tim Ehling officiating. Visitation will be one hour before the service at the church.

Mahn Family Funeral Home Anderson-Peterson Chapel, Lake City is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences can be sent to http://www.mahnfamilyfuneralhome.com.

Memorials are preferred to First Lutheran Church and or donor's choice.

Visitation

AUG 19. 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM (CDT)

First Lutheran Church
100 Peace Ridge
Lake City, MN 55041

Memorial Service

AUG 19. 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM (CDT)

First Lutheran Church
100 Peace Ridge
Lake City, MN 55041
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