PIERRE, SD – Douglas James Kozel passed away on November 20, 2024 after a courageous fight with ALS.

There will be a Celebration of Life service from 1pm-3pm with a 2:30pm time of sharing on Saturday, November 23, 2024 at Isburg Funeral Chapel in Pierre.

Doug was born on August 1, 1949 to Eugene and Genevieve (Wittmeier) Kozel. He was raised on a farm near Dante, SD and attended a rural school through 8th grade. He then went to high school and graduated from Avon High School. After that he attended Southern State College in Springfield and received a Bachelor of Science in education. He furthered his education where he received a Master’s in biology at the University of South Dakota.

Doug moved to Pierre in 1974 where he worked for the South Dakota Department of Health for 37 years as a public health sanitarian. He met his wife Colleen Marx, and married in 1982. To this union two children were born, son Lane Douglas and daughter Lindsey Katherine.

He enjoyed hunting, fishing, and gardening. He especially liked hunting with his friends, Swede, Kuck and Wally.
After retirement he could be found shooting pool at the Lariat Lanes.

Doug was a man whose presence could never be ignored. Larger than life in every way, he had a booming voice that announced his arrival long before you saw his unforgettable smile. When Doug entered a room, the energy shifted. His warmth, charisma, and humor were simply magnetic. But what truly set him apart was his heart, the biggest of them all.
Doug was a deeply caring soul who always offered wise advice, a listening ear, and unwavering support, making him the kind of friend everyone was grateful to have.

Doug is survived by his wife, Colleen; son Lane (Kasey Connor) and daughter Lindsey (Tony Smedsrud); his brother Larry (Sharon) and numerous relatives.

He was preceded in death by his parents, brother Robert; his in-laws (Jim and Pat Marx) and numerous aunts and uncles.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the ALS association.

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