Douglas Beiseker

Douglas “Doug” Bruce Beiseker, 87, of Crookston passed away in the late afternoon on April 16, 2024, with his loving family by his side.  

Doug was born on March 3, 1937, in Harvey, North Dakota to parents Arthur and Beatrice (McLean) Beiseker.  Doug spent the majority of his adolescence in North Dakota where he attended Grand Forks Central High School from where he graduated with the class of 1955.  Doug met the love of his life, Donna Mae Melbye, and the couple were married on February 15, 1958, at Trinity Lutheran Church in Crookston, and started their family by welcoming their first son into the world, Marc.  Following Marc’s arrival and adding to the family were the births of Tammy, Terri, and Brad.  

Doug began his working life at Grand Forks Grocery and Associated Plumbing and Heating, after which he embarked on his lifelong career serving the farmers of the Red River Valley at Farmers Union Oil Co., MinnDak-Mack, and International Harvester/Red Power. He was well appreciated by all those he served, retiring in 2001 as parts manager at Red Power.  Doug not only had a strong work ethic throughout his life, providing for his family, but also a community spirit he dedicated a lot of his time to serving.  He was a proud member of the Crookston Eagles Aerie 873 where he volunteered in his younger years to call bingo on Friday nights and helped serve dinner and coffee on Saturday nights.  In addition to the Eagles, Doug was a charter member of Grand Forks Road Runners Car Club where he started his lifelong love of hot rods, classic cars and Nascar.  Doug was a longtime member of Trinity Lutheran Church.    

The main highlight of Doug’s life was his family.  Doug truly was a family man at heart.  He was at every one of his kids, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren’s events that he could, cheering them on from the stands.  For 66 years Donna was not only his wife but his best friend.  The couple took many trips together, several of which were awarded to Doug in his career as a parts manager.  To celebrate his retirement, Doug and Donna flew to Hawaii where they visited Pearl Harbor.  With Doug being the history buff that he was, this was an experience in his life that he greatly appreciated.  Another favorite trip was going to the Talladega 500 with his son, grandsons, and son in-law.  Aside from being a history buff, Doug was a huge fan of Western Shows—any and all of them.  When he wasn’t watching his shows, you could find Doug tinkering with cars or watching the Minnesota Twins, Vikings, or Wild, or watching UND hockey.   

His family remembers his dislike for trivia, but recalls that whenever it was being played, he would shout out the answers from the other room.  He had a subtle sense of humor that he shared with Donna which was passed onto their children.  His family considered it a great privilege to be by his side when he passed away, as he was always by theirs.  

May God Bless the memory of Douglas Bruce Beiseker.  

Left to mourn his passing is his wife, Donna, of Crookston; Children:  Marc Beiseker of Crookston, Tammy (Mike) Swang, of Grand Forks, ND, Terri (Bob) Quanrud of Crookston, and Brad (Andrea)  Beiseker of Fargo, ND; Grandchildren:  Ryan (Jenny) Swang, Justin (Ali) Swang, Kelsey Swang, Jared (Janessa) Quanrud, Derek Quanrud (Leslie Sondreal), Noah Beiseker and Hannah Beiseker; Great-Grandchildren:  Ellery, Corban, Gus, Peyton, Chesney, Jack, Jersie, and Rhett; and sisters:  Janice (Mike) Erlandson of Grafton, ND, and Linda Dutt of Redmond, WA.  He was preceded in death by his parents, Arthur and Beatrice Beiseker; brothers Terry Beiseker and Arthur “Duner” Beiseker; as well as many other extended family members.  

The Memorial service honoring Doug’s life will be held at Trinity Lutheran Church on Thursday, April 25, 2024, at 2:00 PM with Pastor Greg Isaacson officiating.  Visitation with the family will begin at 12:30 PM.  A luncheon will be held immediately following the service before internment at Oakdale Cemetery in Crookston at 4:00 PM.  

Memorials are preferred to Trinity Lutheran Church TV and Radio Fund or Hospice of the Red River Valley.