Douglas Heydenburg

Doug Heydenburg modeled a lifetime of selflessly giving to the family he loved. He loved to take his family on countless trips over the years and shared his love of racing with each and every one of them. Known for his optimism and endless wisdom, Doug will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by all who were privileged to know and love him.

Although the Thirties were marked by tough economic times, the decade also saw an expansion of new technologies, especially in the areas of radio and film. Douglas Eugene was born on July 9, 1933, in Grandville, Michigan sandwiched between his eight other siblings. Raised with a strong foundation of faith, Doug went on to live a blessed life.

Much of his early years were affected by the results of the Great Depression. Customary of the times, he was taught to work to help support the family at a young age. By the time he was 12 years old, Doug was working in the local celery fields and later left school to supplement the family income. Doug also enjoyed working on cars and became passionate about racing, a pastime that stuck with him throughout his life. By the time he was of age, he enlisted in the United States Navy and was stationed in San Diego. He was immensely proud of these years and was able to sail in the South Pacific on the USS Cabildo LSD-16, on a support ship during the Korean Conflict. He was a machinist mate 2nd class and was also the one who drove the truck to get mail when they were at port. Lucky for his crewmen, his lead foot came in handy! Once he was discharged, his uncle was able to get him a job in a local tool and die shop. It was a perfect match for him as Doug loved working with his hands. After working for several companies including Link Inc, he landed at McGillese where he remained for several years. He later continued his career in various shops where he was always well liked by employers and customers alike.

Not to be forgotten was the meeting of his lovely bride, Nancy Proctor. He and his brother went on a double date with Nancy and her sister, and the rest was history! Both couples hit it off and joined in marriage, but Doug and Nancy were the first to join together on May 3, 1957 at the 2nd Baptist Church. The newlyweds settled into their first home on Butterworth before they later moved to Hamilton Street NW. Together they raised five wonderful children. Doug and Nancy wanted the very best for their family and later he built them a home on 8th Ave near Marne. As a dad, he was generally quite easy going and loved to joke with the children. Despite his busy work schedule, he always made quality time for the kids. They enjoyed many wonderful camping vacations together as a family making many special memories. Doug also loved to treat them to ice cream and bake his famous Texas Sheet Cake on Sunday nights. Whenever he was with his family, his heart was content. Like his own parents, he and Nancy raised their children in the Christian faith and attended regularly at 2nd Baptist, Maranatha, and later Alpine Baptist. He instilled in his children the value of people and living their lives to the fullest, never turning down opportunities and finding success in hard work.

Doug lived a very active life. He enjoyed bowling for a number of years as well as attending hockey games. Doug also continued his love of traveling. When the kids were grown, he and Nancy had a place on Fish Lake near Greenville for a few years before buying a fifth wheel to take trips with their grandkids. They enjoyed wintering in Florida. He kept a large garden in the yard and spent countless hours maintaining it and harvesting his goods over the years. Despite his many hobbies, racing was the one that was most consistent through the years.

In addition to these favorite pastimes, Doug also remained faithful to his church communities over the years. When he was at 2nd Baptist, he drove a bus and helped maintain it. After they moved buildings, he helped install the new sound system. While at Maranatha, he contributed to the grounds and left his handprint on some of the items that remain on the property. Even though he remained employed full time, Doug loved being part of the Wright-Tallmadge Township Fire Department for about sixteen years. Dedicated to the work, he liked to keep the scanner on years after he stopped volunteering for them. By the time he was sixty-five, he retired and went to work at Brown Farms where he enjoyed driving the tractor during apple harvest.

Doug was a wonderful person to know and to love. A lover of all people, it was no surprise that no matter where he went he was sure to run into someone in town who knew him. He enjoyed conversation and sharing stories with many people in the community. As he and Nancy’s health declined they remained closer to home. They continued to enjoy time with family and shared many wonderful moments in recent years. Described as loving, hard working, and a godly person, Doug leaves a rich collection of memories for his special friends and family to cherish for generations to come. May they never doubt the immense love he had for each and every one of them and may his memories be eternal.

Douglas Heydenburg, age 87, of Marne, Michigan entered his heavenly home on October 24, 2020. Doug was born on July 9, 1933 to the late Arthur and Audrey (Palmer) Heydenburg. He married Nancy Proctor on May 3, 1957, spending the next 63 years together before Nancy passed away in April of 2020. Doug and Nancy were members of Alpine Baptist Church and will be remembered for his love of cars, work with the Wright-Tallmadge Fire Department and most of all his love for his family. Doug is survived by his children, Paul (Julie) Heydenburg of Sparta, Marcia Palasek of Marne, Steven (Melinda) Heydenburg of Cedar Springs, Alan (Lisa) Heydenburg of Cedar Springs, Philip Heydenburg of Coopersville; 11 grandchildren and 14 great grandchildren; his sister, Yvonne (Roger) Wynsma. He was preceded in death by 7 brothers and sisters. A service to remember and celebrate Doug’s life will be held on Saturday, October 31, 2020 at 11:30 AM at Alpine Baptist Church, where friends are invited to visit with his family beginning at 10 AM. Interment in Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens. For those who wish, memorial contributions to Alpine Baptist Church are appreciated. To share a favorite memory or to sign his guestbook, visit www.heritagelifestory.com