Douglas Poole

Douglas F. Poole, age 73, of Alexandria, died Saturday, June 11, 2016, at his home, under the care of Hospice of Douglas County.

Mass of Christian Burial is 1:30 p.m., Thursday, June 16, 2016, at Church of St. Mary’s in Alexandria with Fr. Steven Binsfeld presiding. Music is provided by pianist, Laurie J. Youngers and cantor, Cathy Kinney. Entombment is at St. Mary’s Mausoleum with full military honors accorded by the Minnesota Honor Guard and Brandon American Legion Post #278.

Visitation is 5-7 p.m., Wednesday with parish prayers at 5 p.m. at Lind Family Funeral Home in Alexandria. The visitation will continue from 12 noon until 1 p.m., Thursday at the funeral home.

Douglas “Doug” Frances Poole was born August 31, 1942, to John and Violet (Brew) Poole in Strathcona, Minnesota. He was baptized in Greenbush and confirmed in Red Lake Falls. He graduated from LaFayette High School in Red Lake Falls. Following his education, Doug enlisted into the U.S. Navy where he served from October 1960 – October 1964, aboard the USS Black. He specialized as a radio operator. He was awarded National Defense Service Medal and the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal in Vietnam. Following his honorable discharge, he was united in marriage to Delores “Dee” Cassavant on September 11, 1976 in Alexandria. Doug worked for the Soo Line Railroad before owning and operating the Villard Office Bar. He worked in maintenance for District #206, and the Alexandria Technical College, where he was promoted to supervisor until he retired in 1997. He was a member of Church of St. Mary’s. He enjoyed playing golf, fishing, hunting, reading and football picks with his family. He loved performing and playing cards and magic tricks with his grandchildren, nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Shirley Hince; brother, John Poole, and niece, Linda Hince.

Doug is survived by his wife of 39 years, Dee; daughter, Deetta Dugstad of Pierre, South Dakota; three sons, Jack Poole of Portland, Oregon, Mark (Missy) Larson of Red Lake Falls and Brian (fiancée, Kellie Jochim) Larson of Garfield; three sisters, Betty (Bernie) Freske of Starbuck, Gloria (Harlan) Kremer of Hastings and Joyce (Roger) Logan of Lowry; brother-in-law, Willard Hince of Thief River Falls; 10 grandchildren, John, Jennifer, Justeena and Javin Gillaspie, Ava and David Dugstad all of Pierre, South Dakota; Kyle Larson of Mitchell, South Dakota; Cole, Kurt and Shawna Larson of Red Lake Falls; along with many nieces, nephews and a host of friends.

Pallbearers are Kyle Larson, Cole Larson, Kurt Larson, Terry Soltis, Bill Brunson and Rick Johnson. Honorary pallbearers are his remaining grandchildren, family and friends.