Melvin Douglas Dzuris was born September 25, 1951 at Three Rivers, Michigan. He was the son of Melvin L. and Billie J. (Anfinson) Dzuris. The family lived in Schoolcraft, MI. A short time later, they moved to Perry, Iowa and when Doug was nearly 2 years old, they moved to Greenbrier Township in Greene County, Iowa where Doug grew up.

Doug attended church and Sunday school, and belonged to MYF and 4-H in Greenbrier. He attended school in Jefferson, graduating with the class of 1969. Doug loved living on the farm, learning to drive tractors and baling hay for neighbors.

Doug played Little League Baseball in Jefferson, 4-H softball and football.

After graduating, Doug joined the Army and was stationed at Fort Hood, Texas. After the untimely death of his father, he was discharged and returned home to help his mother and sister.

Doug started driving trucks with George Meinecke and spent his entire adult life behind the wheel of a semi. He enjoyed the scenery driving in nearly every state and took great pride in delivering High Priority, Tight Security, or just Oversize loads.

Doug was united in marriage to Kathy Gustin of Bagley in 1976 and became the father of three children: Christopher Douglas, Kelly Robert, and Karla Marie. He was later divorced. His children were his great love and leaving them to go on the road was always difficult for him.

Watching sports on TV, scuba diving, golf, and playing board games with his family were his favorite pastimes. Visiting with friends always brought out the humor he became known for. His home time always seemed too short as there was always a load waiting for delivery.

Doug passed away on July 6, 2006 at Rolling Prairie, Indiana. He was 54 years of age. Preceding him in death was his father, Melvin L. Dzuris in 1972, grandparents, great grandparents, several uncles and aunts and two cousins.

Doug leaves to mourn his passing, his three children, Chris of Jefferson, Kelly of Iowa City, and Karla of Des Moines; his mother, Billie Wind of Jefferson; one sister, Diane (Alan) Andersen and their children Chelsea and Brody of Coon Rapids, IA; his aunt, Betty Colwell of Oak Ridge, TN; uncle, Bob (Karen) Anfinson of Springfield, MO; stepbrother, Tom (Sue) Wind of Jefferson, and their children Jeremy, Marieta and Christopher; step-sister, Janet (Gregg) McMullen and their sons, Tyler and Walker of Chandler, AZ; uncle, Keith (Donna) Dzuris of Hubbard, NE; several cousins and many friends.

Contributor: Hooked On Family