Douglas J. Wierema

Douglas J. Wierema

July 26, 1943 – October 26, 2025

Douglas J. Wierema, age 82, of Woodbine, Illinois, passed away Sunday, October 26, 2025, at FHN Hospital in Freeport, Illinois.

Douglas was born July 26, 1943, in Savanna, the son of George and Francis (Paisley) Wierema. He graduated from Mount Carroll High School with the Class of 1961. On January 13, 1963, Doug married the love of his life, Donna K. Randecker. Together, they celebrated 62 wonderful years of marriage and raised two children, Kevin and Darci.

In his younger years, Doug worked as a barber in Elizabeth and Stockton before joining Kraft Foods. He later began a long and meaningful career in public service, first as a dispatcher for the Jo Daviess County Sheriff’s Department. His dedication and sense of duty led him to serve as a police officer in Stockton, later becoming Police Chief in both Hanover and Stockton. Doug was proud of his service to his community and the friendships he built along the way.

Outside of work, Doug enjoyed spending time outdoors. He was an avid hunter who always had a faithful beagle by his side. He taught his children the joy of squirrel and rabbit hunting and shared his appreciation for nature and patience. For a time, he also enjoyed deer hunting.

Doug’s interests extended beyond the outdoors—he operated a small gun shop and was a passionate firearms collector. He loved attending garage sales and antique shows, often searching for unique finds like pocket watches and clocks. His love of storytelling and good humor was well known, and many remember the friendly banter and tall tales shared between Doug and his great friend, Jerry Rillie.

Above all, Doug valued his family and friendships. He will be dearly missed by his wife, Donna of Woodbine; his son, Kevin (Brenda) Wierema of Waynesboro, Tennessee; his daughter, Darci (Robert) Sutter of Lena; seven grandchildren, Kevyn-Ann (Michael) Sherman, Michael Sutter, Christian Sutter, Andrea Sutter, Garrett Sutter, Alonnah Sutter, and Ainsley Sutter; a great-granddaughter, Prudence; and a brother, Jeff (Jean) Wierema of Warren.

He is preceded in death by his brother, David; his sister, Sandra Conley; and his parents, George and Francis Wierema.

A Celebration of Life Gathering will be held from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. on Sunday, November 2, at Grace Bible Church in Woodbine, with a time of sharing beginning at 2:00 p.m.