Douglas Edward Wieland

1957 - 2017

Douglas Edward Wieland obituary, 1957-2017

BORN

1957

DIED

2017

FUNERAL HOME

Tinkler Funeral Chapel & Crematory

475 North Broadway

Fresno, California

Douglas Wieland Obituary

Published by Legacy Remembers on Oct. 3, 2017.

Douglas Edward Wieland, to everyone around him, he seemed to be eternally happy, and he willingly shared that joy with anyone whose life he touched. For Douglas, bringing out the best in any situation was as easy as offering a smile, a witty remark or the twinkle of an eye. And with just those simple gestures, he could evoke the most pleasant of emotions. Douglas really mastered the art of living and had great fun in doing so.

Douglas was born on January 7, 1957 at St. Vincent Hospital in Little Rock, Arkansas. His parents were Edward C. and Nora I. Wieland. Douglas was raised in Little Rock, Arkansas, Ellsworth Air Force Base, South Dakota, and Merced, California. Even as a child, Douglas had the ability to lift the spirits of all those around him. He was raised to be warm, caring and friendly.

Always a good playmate, Douglas was easygoing and fun loving. He managed to lighten the mood wherever he was, even during family squabbles. He seemed to have a knack for bringing compromise and erasing tense situations around the house. Due to a generous dose of common sense, Douglas managed to find a satisfying solution to basic problems. Douglas was raised with three siblings. He had one older brother, Gregg, and two younger brothers, Randy and Brad.

All of Douglas's playful good humor carried over into his childhood. He was possessed with an outgoing personality, a lively imagination and a mellowed enthusiasm for life that allowed him to be constantly on the go. As a result, Douglas experienced a rather active childhood, and this suited him very well. He took part in band, playing trumpet in the Merced High School Marching 100 and Merced College Marching and Jazz Band. He achieved Eagle Scout, was selected Vigil Honor-Order of the Arrow. In his spare time he liked fishing, camping and plastic model building. Douglas' memorable achievements included an Award of Merit for All City Band.

Ask anyone who knew him from school and they would tell you that Douglas was an excellent student who worked hard at keeping his grades up and genuinely loved learning. Douglas graduated from Merced High School in 1975. He enjoyed some courses more than others, having favorite classes and teachers. His favorite class in high school was English. The teacher he enjoyed learning from the most was Sharon Grey. In addition he was selected as Who's Who in High School 1975.

Douglas reveled in his college years, where his imagination could run free. He was viewed by many of his classmates as being a creative, artistic person. Douglas was usually found at the center of things, whether it was during class or in extracurricular activities. He was a jovial person who loved to share his passion for fun with others. But for Douglas, life was not a case of all play and no work. Douglas relished the task of putting his imagination to work in class. He was able to discover new and different ways of answering problems and creating unusual and different solutions. He earned his Associate of Arts at Fresno City College. His favorite courses were 3-D Design. His favorite professor was Laura West. Douglas was chosen for the Annual Student Art Exhibit Competition two years in a row.

Douglas never actually encountered a stranger in his dealings with people. He was drawn to individuals and crowds, using his adaptable and outgoing personality to captivate his audience. This quality allowed Douglas to continually develop new relationships, ever widening his circle of friends. Douglas utilized his interest in others as a great way to connect with them. Later in life, he became friends with Brooke & Deb Antrim. Douglas loved sharing life and having his home filled with people he knew.

The gift of being emotionally expressive and outwardly affectionate made Douglas very easy to approach. On July 5, 1997 Douglas exchanged wedding vows with Esther Yvonne Fox Dennison at Fresno Flats Park in Oakhurst, California. He tried hard not to impose on his spouse. He was always sensitive to other people's feelings, and that was especially true in marriage.

Perhaps the reason Douglas related so well to children was the fact that he never really completely grew up himself. The ability to be just a "kid at heart" helped him in raising his own children. Douglas was blessed with four children, one daughter, Krista, son, Kyle and two step-sons, Christopher and Andrew. They were also blessed with five grandchildren, Emily Ann, Arthur John (AJ), Edward Allen, Natalie and Bruce Wayne. Douglas had the ability to focus his attention on the present moment. If he was spending time with the kids, that's where all of his attention was directed. Douglas's compassionate side prevented him from being a strict disciplinarian, and he could turn just about any situation into a playful, learning experience. He could spend hours entertaining them with fun and creative play. In fact, Douglas had a knack for turning some of those nasty old chores into games.

At work, as in life, Douglas was a real "people person." He had a very successful way of dealing effectively with others, and his enthusiasm and energy was often contagious. When dealing with various projects and problems, Douglas was an adaptable realist, using his common sense and trusting his experiences and impulses to uncover the correct answer. Douglas's talent for being a down to earth thinker, allowed many around him to see Douglas as an excellent problem solver. His primary occupation was Retail Sales Management and an avid woodworker for 30 plus years.

Douglas enjoyed his leisure time by taking part in various hobbies. An "arts and crafts" type, Douglas liked creating and making things. His favorite pursuits were woodworking, and fishing. Douglas was content to enjoy his hobbies alone but was also willing to share his interests with others.

Because of his personality, his humor, and his ability to get along with everyone, Douglas's service was greatly valued by the organizations to which he belonged. In high school, Douglas was a member of the Merced High Marching 100, the Boy Scouts of America and the California Cadet Corps.

Vested with a deep concern for spiritual development, Douglas recognized that his faith was important to him throughout his life. He was a member of North Point Community Church for 15 years. During that time, he and his wife prepared food for the church classes, parties and production cast. His life verse is from 1 Thessalonians 4:11-12New International Version (NIV) 11 and to make it your ambition to lead a quiet life: You should mind your own business and work with your hands, just as we told you, 12 so that your daily life may win the respect of outsiders and so that you will not be dependent on anybody.

Naturally outgoing and generous, Douglas was regularly doing things for others. For him, the gift of giving to others was second nature. Though he never set out to gain individual recognition, Douglas was given accolades for his many and varied accomplishments throughout his life. Some of his most prestigious awards included Eagle Scout, and the Scouting Life Award.

It is no surprise that he loved to travel and to visit new and different places. He was naturally curious about other parts of the world and loved the real life adventure that came from visiting them. Favorite vacations included Yosemite National Park, Winterthur Museum in Delaware and Crater Lake in Oregon.

Douglas passed away on October 2, 2017 at home in Fresno, California. Douglas fought a brave battle against Acute Pancreatitis. He is survived by his loving wife Yvonne, his children, Krista, Kyle, Christopher, and Andrew, his mother, Nora, his brothers, Gregg, Randy, Brad, and his beautiful grandchildren, Emily, AJ, Edward, Natalie and Bruce. Services were held at Tinkler Funeral Chapel & Crematory. Douglas's final resting place is at home with his loving wife Yvonne in Fresno, California.

Douglas brought joy to all of those around him. He never had a mean bone in his body. He loved to have a good time and was an eternal optimist, always looking on the bright side of things. He loved to share his energy, wit, and his zest for all of his activities with his friends and family. Douglas Edward Wieland lived life to its fullest and made everyone around him happier just for knowing him. He will be remembered with a smile.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

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December 17, 2017

Diana Fong

My family knew Doug as a boy and watched him mature into his adulthood; always kind, thoughtful and caring of others. He exuded a generous spirit.

Heartfelt condolences to his wife and family.

November 2, 2017

Carmela Dennison

I very happy I got to be part of Doug's. He was a loving person who always help everyone and welcomed everyone with open arms.
I know my family got to meet him a couple of time and always said nice things about him. When Andrew and I got married, my family, Doug and Yvonne helped us a lot on the wedding. During and after our wedding everyone on my side of the family and friends thought Doug was Andrew's father and not his stepfather because he step into the job of a real father and helped in any way he would for a son's special day. This is the guy he was and one of my special memories I had of Doug.
I know Andrew loved him so much and was greatfull to have a wonderful role model of a dad, and for that I'm very thankful.
I will always treasure the wonderful memories we all had with him and I will miss him dearly.

October 31, 2017

Yvonne Wieland

Your light will forever shine. You gave so much to everyone and asked so little in return. You left no doubt as to how much you loved and cared about me and our family. Rest in peace by that great fishing hole in the heavens. I love you and miss you very much.

Posted by Yvonne Wieland

October 13, 2017

Hannah Cavallaro

Doug was such a warm and welcoming spirit. A true gentleman. He had a positive glow that followed him around, always smiling and always giving the best hugs. He will be greatly missed and I am so honored to have known him.

October 11, 2017

Andrew Dennison

Doug always had a wonderful way of seeing the best in life and people. When he was around even bad days seemed to melt away with his happiness and wisdom. Doug always treated me as if I was his own son and I will miss him very much. Their is no man I ever respected more

October 8, 2017

Gregg Wieland

I Love You, Brother!

October 7, 2017

Bill DeFoi

Yvonne, I saddened by the news of Doug's death. Numbers 6:24-26. If you need anything, please let me know. Bill DeFoi

October 7, 2017

John Thielen

Doug was s great man. I was lucky enough to enjoy his company and hospitality on my visits to California. He welcomed all and will be missed by many. Sending my love to all the Wieland family. God bless

October 6, 2017

James Fox

Being in Mississippi I didn't get to spend as much time with Doug as I wish I could. But I always enjoyed the time I did get to spend with him and Yvonne during our family gettogethers. He was always a pleasure to be with and will be dearly missed.

October 4, 2017

Mary, Ervin & Charlie Graham

Doug lit up a room, he made people happy, especially my sister Yvonne. They completed each other. Doug had a heart of gold and willing to help anyone. Doug loved his God, his wife and his family. He was such a wonderful grandfather, and uncle too. I am forever grateful he came into our family's lives. His light shines bright in heaven now.

Posted by Mary, Ervin & Charlie Graham

Showing 1 - 10 of 10 results

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Funeral services provided by:

Tinkler Funeral Chapel & Crematory

475 North Broadway, Fresno, CA 93701

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