Obituary of Douglas William Carel

Douglas William Carel left his earthly home on June 30, 2023 and now resides with his Heavenly Father. He fought a brave battle against cancer and passed away in peace surrounded by his loved ones. 

Doug was born in Northfield, Minnesota on October 17, 1945 to Helen and Robert Carel. He graduated from Northfield High School in 1964 and went on to serve in the Navy aboard the USS America from 1965-1968. He was off the shores of South Vietnam in 1968 while his planes bombed the A Sau Valley.

On June 26, 1971 he married his childhood sweetheart, Gail Henderson. They welcomed two children, a son Jeremey Douglas and a daughter, Faun Alein.

Doug established his business, D.W. Carel Drywall, in 1971 and was an integral part of the construction community for 51 years. His work in taping, spraying, and painting were in demand but his skills in Venetian Paster brought him joy. Other life passions were his love of nature, fishing, deer hunting, snowmobiling, 4-wheeling, airplanes and helping others with his mechanical savvy.

Above all he loved his children and grandchildren; attending their sporting events, taking them for rides on anything motorized, teaching them respect for the outdoors and as one of his grands said, “Papa, tell us a story of the good ole days.” We all loved his wry sense of humor and one-liners,  which always brought howls of laughter.

He was preceded in death by parents Helen and Robert Carel and brothers Brad and Bobby. 

He is ever loved and missed by his wife of 52 years Gail Henderson Carel, son, Jeremey (Alyson) Carel, daughter Faun (Brent) Stanton , Grandchildren; Kaylin, Olivia, and Tanner Carel, Grant, Finn, and Reese Stanton, brothers; Bruce (Priscilla), Greg, and Rick Carel, Sisters; Donna Duffy and Darlene (David) Lindberg. Mother-in-law Ruby Henderson, sisters-in-law; Linda (Mike) Raadt, and Christine (Timothy) Alberg, and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and countless friends.

A Memorial of Doug’s life will be held at the Resurrection United Methodist Church, 615 W. 15th St. Hastings, MN on Saturday July 15th at 1:00 with visitation an hour before.