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Doug Gragert

January 26, 1952 - March 31, 2022

Doug Gragert, 70, of Slater, IA passed away March 31, 2022, with his wife and children by his side, after a brief but courageous battle with heart failure.  He had a very big heart, literally and figuratively.   He was affectionately known to most as ‘Big Doug’, and if you knew him, that would make perfect sense.

A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, April 9, 2022, at Memorial Services of Iowa (4208 N. Ankeny Blvd) with visitation an hour prior to the service.

Doug had many jobs over the years, but the last one before retiring due to his heart problems was at the Department of Transportation in Ames, IA.  There he was a Power Plant Engineer for the complex.  One of the jobs he enjoyed the most is when he worked at AMF Lawn and Garden division in Des Moines.   There he made many lifelong friends that he kept in contact with over all these years.  He also was able to get a discount on Harley Davidson motorcycles when AMF owned them, which he took full advantage of.

Doug was a simple guy that enjoyed boating, gardening and hosting Iowa Hawkeye football parties these last several years, but the thing he liked most was spending time with his children and grandchildren, as well as visiting with the many friends he has made.  Doug didn’t know a stranger.  He quickly and easily made friends with anyone he met.

Left to cherish many wonderful memories of Doug include his wife of 45 years, Diane; children, Kyle (Holly) of Ankeny and Kelsey of Waukee; grandchildren, Calvin and Alice of Ankeny; sister, Sally of Ankeny; and many favorite in-laws, nephews, nieces and other relatives. He loved them all dearly.