Douglas John Ilten

Born in Cedar Rapids, IA on May 6, 1961
Departed on January 6, 2007. Resided in Nashville, TN.

Memorial

Douglas John Ilten: 45, of Nashville, Tennessee, formerly of Cedar Rapids, died Saturday, January 6 in Fort Pierce, Florida. A celebration of his life service will be at Noon on Thursday, January 18 at the First Presbyterian Church in Cedar Rapids with Rev. Lori Wunder of First Presbyterian Church officiating. Friends may call at the Cedar Memorial Funeral Home from 5 to 8 p.m. on Wednesday and after 11:30 at the church on Thursday. Burial will be in Oak Hill Cemetery in Cedar Rapids. A reception will follow at the Cedar Rapids Country Club. Friends may, if they wish, donate to a memorial fund that has been established in Doug's memory.

Doug is survived by his wife, Ann of Nashville, his parents, Lee and Ethel Ilten of Cedar Rapids, his grandmother Mrs. Lee Ilten Sr., his brother, Dan Ilten and wife Suzanne of Edina, Minnesota, two sisters, Pamela Strauss and husband Steve of Cedar Rapids and Vicki Peters and husband Stacey of Bourbonnais, Illinois and many nieces and nephews, aunts and uncles, cousins, friends and colleagues that he dearly loved.

Doug was born May 6, 1961 in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, the son of Lee and Ethel Vangen Ilten. He graduated from Washington High School in 1979 and attended the Iowa State University where he studied graphic arts. Doug married Ann O'Donnell on November 15, 1997 at First Presbyterian Church in Cedar Rapids. Doug turned his passion for music into a successful company that he founded - Black and White Backline Company in Nashville, Tennessee. His dynamic company provided musical instruments to a host of artists around the country. He worked with Stevie Wonder, Diana Ross, Kool and the Gang, Jeffrey Osborne, the Beach Boys, to name a few. He also orchestrated half time shows for 6 NFL Super Bowls. Doug was an accomplished artist and enjoyed painting beautiful images. He worked in Chicago for an art gallery where he learned more about his passion for art.

As a young man, Doug was also an accomplished athlete. He participated in golf and basketball at Washington High School. He won three consecutive junior golf tournaments at the Cedar Rapids Country Club and played on the Junior Pro Circuit for a while. Doug possessed a warm, compassionate and caring heart. He carried a laugh that no one will forget. He deeply cared for animals rescuing many cats and dogs from hazardous situations hence he and Ann have 3 dogs and 6 cats at home. Paramount in Doug's life was his deep and unwavering love for his wife, family and friends. He also really enjoyed children because Doug was a kid at heart. His spiritual essence was felt by all who knew and loved him.

A memorial service will also be held at Soundcheck, 750 Cowan Street, Nashville, Tennessee on Tuesday, January 23 at 5:00 p.m.

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Service

Cemetery