Douglas John Ilten
Ann and family, We can't begin to tell you the lose that we feel here. We all loved Dougie, he was a great friend. He will be missed.If there is anything we can do, please let us know. Gary & Melissa Forkum Fork's Drum Closet
Gary & Melissa Forkum
NAshville
TN
Ann & family, Doug was the best, He tried his best please everyone he came in contact with. He took the time to come to our wedding, even though I'm sure he did not have time. It meant the world to us. I can't express how much we at Fork's will miss the guy. The music business will not be the same. Nashville will not be the same. MF
Matt & Tiffany Forkum
Nashville
TN
How do you call someone a close friend when it's been nearly 30 years since you were actually close? But that was Doug Ilten. Actually, that's the Washington High School Class of '79 in a nutshell. We may not see each other for years, maybe only at the reunions. But it never mattered. We don't waste time with why we hadn't stayed in touch like we promised. We just start in like we never were apart. That was Doug. The minute you met him, you were close. I saw Doug just a few weeks ago, maybe a month. He was in Cedar Rapids, on his way to Minneapolis to do another of his endless shows. He stopped at The Gazette to say hello and check on a business venture we were exploring. Doug loved music and loved working in the music business. He was working with Kool & The Gang and wanted to bring the band, along with Earth, Wind & Fire, to Cedar Rapids, his home town. He asked for my help in making contacts with folks at the U.S. Cellular Center. We first kicked around the idea during his visit to Cedar Rapids in the for for another family tragedy and spent a long night of fun and deep conversation. We actually had kept our promise this time and had talked frequently the last two or three months. He'd often call, excited, and leave me a message of a new song one of his clients had recorded. Doug, in a lot of ways, was really a kid a heart. He was one of the lucky ones, earning a living doing something he'd loved since childhood. That's actually how our friendship began, in the mid-1970s. We both loved music and would sit in his basement for hours listening to the latest albums from our favorites. His death in Florida over the weekend has left many of his friends scratching their heads, just like his family. The reported erratic behavior, the physical confrontation, was not the man we knew and loved … and still love. Doug had a smile … and he smiled often … that could light up a room and tell you this guy was your friend. He had a great, almost sinister, laugh that would make you laugh for no reason. Were Doug and I close after all these years? Of course. Me and a hundred others like me.
John Ogden
Cedar Rapids
IA
Dear Ann, Vicki and family....I cannot express my shock in finding out about Doug. Johnny called me with the news and my heart goes out to all of you. I remember that cute Ilten kid hanging around with my litle brother back in the days growing up in CR. Please know that you and your families are on my mind.
Dan Linge
Olivenhain
CA
Lee,Ethel I wish to express my sincere sympathy to you and all your family members on the loss of your son Doug. May the peace of God,which transcends all understanding,keep your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus Phillipians 4:7 Kindest Regards, Bill Schwitzer
w.d schwitzer
minnetonka
MN
Dan, Michelle and I are very sorry to hear about your brother. Our prayers are with you and your family. Say hi to Suzanne. God bless and take care Steve Knight
Steve Knight
Minnespolis
MN
Dear Ann and Ilten family, I remember Doug as a little boy hanging around with my brother Chip, Dave Crawford and Dan Ceschin in the neighborhood. They all went to Erskine, Franklin and Wash together and remained friends through their adult years. My husband Randy knew Doug when he was a coach at Wash and we both remember the handsome young man with the great smile. We am so sorry for your loss and we are praying for your family. Molly Ryan Bates
Molly Ryan Bates
Lincoln
NE
Doug, I knew you in high school. I knew you in a rough time, we've all had them. You are a true human being. I saw you three months ago like no time had elapsed. Thank god for real people. Love you, Liddie
Liddie Heinemann
cedar rapids
IA
Dear Ann, I was shocked and saddened to hear of Doug's death. While I did not know him, I always heard wonderful things about him. You, Doug and your family are in my thoughts and prayers! Kathy Wadsworth Newcomb
Kathy Wadsworth Newcomb
Highland Park
IL
To the Ilten Family, We were so sorry to hear about Doug. I remember him on his visits to Iowa State and the Chi O house and later when he was a student. He always had a smile for anyone he knew. Of course I will always remember him as Doug the Bug. Please let Vicki know all the Chi Os are thinking of her and your whole family during this time of loss. Love Jeannie and Scott Dotterer
Jeannie and Scott Dotterer
Davenport,
IA
To the Ilten Family - I could not believe the news of Dougs passing - shock and sadness filled my heart. I too, was one of the kids in his neighborhood - running around the neighborhood with Doug and others. He had that striking blonde hair and a beautiful smile and eyes - I know he will be truly missed by all of his child hood friends and the Class of 1979. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Suzanne Klinger-Jones
Lorena
TX
I was sad to hear this news, I was a high school classmate of Doug's and was in a few classes with him. He was a great guy, my condolences to his family.
Tom Drahozal
Chicago
IL
Our hearts and prayers are with you. We are thinking of you and your family.
Jackie & Jack Heins
Sanibel
FL
To Ann and Doug's entire family. At times like this it is very difficult to try and put into words how sorry we all are at the loss of someone who means so much to us. Doug was a very good friend of mine for over 30 years. His love for life and for all of you provides us all a great example of what life is all about. The memories I have of Doug are many. I will always remember his laugh, as we had many together, his smile and his zest for life. Doug and I often told each other that we loved one another after our phone conversations or personal visits, we learned this from my brother Peter and understood the importance of letting each other know how we felt. Doug and I often talked about our faith and how important it was to know God. It's times like this that I am thankful to have a knowledge that Doug is with God and that he is better of now as a result of his personal relationship with God. The void in our lives is huge without Doug. As I type this message I look up and see his picture and still can not believe he is no longer with us. I will miss Doug so much as I know you will too. I wish I could tell Doug one last time, " I love Ya Man." I wish I could let him know how much I looked up to him,I wish I could just sit and talk with him as I loved being with him. I will never forget Doug and he will live in my heart forever. Please know that you are in my thoughts and prayers, Take care and God Bless. Paul Phelan
Paul Phelan
cedar rapids
IA
It is shocking when one of your friends is taken well before his time. The Washington High School Class of 1979 has only lost a few, and now, unfortunately, it is one more. Doug and I never really ran in the exact same circles, but we crossed paths many times in our high school days and he was so very likable. He had charisma. Ann, it has been many, many years since I have seen you, or even communicated with you. But at one time, we were very good friends. My heart goes out to you and the Ilten family. I hope that your heart and mind can find comfort somehow. My prayers are with you.
Chris Leighton
Grapevine
TX
My family all went to Washington with the Ilten's and were saddened to hear of Doug's passing. Prayers & thoughts are with you at this most difficult time. May God hold all of you in His arms and His love surround you at this most difficult time. Know that Doug is still very much a part of each and every one of you and will be with you always. Sue Homsey and family
Sue Homsey
Cedar Rapids
IA
To Ann and Doug's entire family, Even though I did not know Doug that well, with being in the 'Class of 79' it is sad to see one of us go. I do remember that Doug was a nice guy. I am so sorry to hear of this loss and what you must be going through.Know that many of us will have you all in our prayers and thoughts during this difficult time. Best wishes always.
Marcia Stoll Chavez
Cedar Rapids
IA
To Ann and the Ilten Family, My thoughts are with you each and every day. I am so sorry that you have to go through this. The shock has still not worn off and I don't think it ever will. I just saw Doug last year at a basketball game. He came up and greeted me as if we were friends that had never lost touch. We didn't talk often but we always knew we had a special friendship and we could reconnect instantly as if there was no time inbetween. I find myself wishing I had just one more time to talk to him, or a chance to let him know how much I cared about him. He had a way of making the person he was talking to feel special and wonderful. He always seemed so interested in the conversation. Doug and I have been friends since we were kids. He had so many tight knit friends that still remain his good friends today. I'm so glad he was able to find a career in music that he loved so much and was so passionate about. I can see him telling all of us that he is okay now. That he is happy, peaceful, and enjoying the songs of heaven. He would tell us to find peace ourselves and to continue living. Ann, you and I became good friends in college and I have lost touch with you too. I can't imagine what you are going through. I'm sure it is a nightmare. I wanted to call you right away but I figure you need your time and I'm sure you are receiving a lot of calls. Please call me anytime you need a friend or an ear to listen. I'm here for you. To the Ilten Family, I have lost both my parents and I miss them everyday. They meant the world to me. It is hard but I can't even fathom the loss of a child. I'm not sure I could handle that. There is no right time for that to happen. Time is the only thing that can help the pain get better but it will take a long long time. Doug is in a restful happy place now. It is us who will miss him. He is looking down on us with that famous smile so many of us have talked about. He is good. It is us who will suffer now until it is our time to meet up with him again. Doug is my first friend who has passed away. I think we should all learn from this and take time out for one more hug and to let those special people in our life know how much we care. I am so sorry for your loss. Janet Shepherd-Meier Cedar Rapids
Janet Shepherd-Meier
Cedar Rapids
IA
Dear Ann and the Doug Ilten Family, I am so sorry to hear of your terrible loss. It saddens me to know that you are going through such pain and heartbreak. The passing of a Loved One forever changes us but - this pain and grief are only for us, the living. Our Loved Ones are in a better and beautiful place. In time, as the pain changes eventhough the longing is always there, may you find strength and peace in feeling and knowing with all certainty that they are always with us and will forever surround us with their love until we are reunited once more. This is to be cherished. This is what I wish for you. You are in my heart, thoughts, and prayers.
Kathy Ingle Ulrich
Plainfield
IN
Dear Ann and members of the Ilten family, We are deeply saddened by the sudden loss of Doug. Please know that our hearts and prayers are with you in this terrible time of trial. My memories of Doug always seem to focus on a man who "took life by the tail." Doug's way was never the typical way; he made his own path. I deeply admired that quality in him. His spirit will be missed. Reid Class of 79
Reid Riggle
De Pere
WI
Ann, We were so sad to hear of Doug's tragic passing. You guys were such great friends, customers & tenants. As so many have already stated, the music business will not be the same without Doug. We will be praying for you that God will bring peace & some sort of understanding to you during this extremely difficult time in your life. Lyle & Laurie
Lyle Vilhauer Broadway Music
Chandler
AZ
Lee & Ethel, Dan, Pam & Vicki, I am so sorry to hear about Doug. My heart is heavy because of your loss. I never in my life thought saying goodbye to family could be so hard. We buried my Dad last year, and I still miss him very much. I did not know Doug. But Ethel, I know you and Lee. I trust that Doug had the same gentle and giving spirit that you have shown me over the years. Lee, you always went out of your way to help me anytime I came into the store. You always treated me like family. I appreciate that. And Dan, I think that had we not moved away, we probably would have spent way more time together. Pam and Vicki, I would bet that Doug had a real hard time pulling anything over on you two, growing up. I just finished reading Paul Phelan's letter about him sharing his faith in Christ with Doug, and I am resting assured that Doug, because of his belief and confession, is with our Father in heaven. That is a great gift that God offers each one of us in our lifetime. The chance to spend eternity with Him. By faith, like the little children we all were at one time, we ask Christ to come into our heart and lives, to forgive us for our sin, and to help us the remaining days of our lives. And because of His mercy and love for us, He grants us eternal life with Him forever, the instant we cry out. 1st John 5: 11-13 tells us of this assurance. You will all miss Doug very much. But as time passes by, I trust that God will give each of you the assurance, healing and peace that passes all understanding. And as time heals your heart, you will long for the day when you will see Doug again. Steven Scheib
Steven Scheib
Cedar Rapids
IA
Ethel and Lee, I am so sorry to hear about Doug and want you to know that you are in my prayers.
Cynthia Cooper
Cedar Rapids
IA
TO ANN AND THE ILTEN FAMILY, I extend my deepest sympathy to each of you. I have such great memories of Douglas; His signature eyebrows and a smile which would light up a room. His "Farrah Fawcett" car, his dog Niki...... and especially his love for music - Jimi Hendrix being one of his favorites. He will be GREATLY MISSED!!!!!!
LUANA DAWSON TONEY
DALLAS
TX
TO ANN AND THE ILTEN FAMILY, I extend my deepest sympathy to each of you. I have such great memories of Douglas; His signature eyebrows and a smile which would light up a room. His "Farrah Fawcett" car, his dog Niki...... and especially his love for music - Jimi Hendrix being one of his favorites. He will be GREATLY MISSED!!!!!!
LUANA DAWSON TONEY
DALLAS
TX
To Ann, Mr & Mrs. Ilten, Dan, Pam & Vicki. People always talk about how the friendships that are formed as children are the most special friendships you will ever have. I couldn't agree with that more. I will always have a special place in my heart for Doug, Terry, Dave and Chip. I am sorry to say that it has been a long time since I have spoken to Doug, but I have managed to keep tabs on him through our mutual friends. I am also sorry and saddened that I was unable to be in Cedar Rapids today to celebrate Doug's life. As with everyone, I was deeply saddened and shocked by the news of Doug's death. This last week has been very hard, but I am comforted by the special memories that I have of Doug and the child hood friendships we all cherish. Doug was a very important part of my childhood and of our group of friends, and what a group of kids we were. The memoiries of my friendship with Doug have come flooding back, from the times we played football on your land by Indian Creek to the infamous slap fights, all in fun to the expression on Doug's face when he was driving his new Cobra. I will aways cherish those and many other memories. I miss Doug and his contagious laugh. Please know that Linda and I are sending our thoughts and prayers to you all during this most difficult time. May God Bless each of you.
Dan Ceschin
Colorado Springs
CO
Dear Ann and all the Ilten family, It is hard for me to express in words how impressed I was yesterday at the celebration of life service. The music, the sharing, the memories of Doug. I'm sure I would not be alone in saying that I came away so impressed by this man's life and character. I too always remember Doug being as friendly, kind and sincere a person as you would ever meet. To all those who knew and loved Doug, may his charisma, generosity and his graciousness in life always be an example and inspiration to us. We are so sorry for your loss and we hold you in our thoughts and prayers. Jon and Cathy Petersen
Jon Petersen
Cedar Rapids
IA
It is very hard to believe Doug is gone. He was a great guy in high school, the events in Florida are bizarre, I hope the family can get some resolution. He was a fine guy and very helpful on a Colorado State project. I remember him as one heck of a good basketball player too. Rest in peace Doug, God bless your family in the days and years ahead.
Cort Stapleton
Cedar Rapids
IA
Oh Dear Doug, to the famliy I'm so sadden by the inforatiom that I just received. Doug and where very goood friend and roommates! I can't express in words where my heart is at this moment! As I'm sure nor can the family. I know Doug will be looking upon us all with that amazing smile and laugh that I remember so very well. I sorry that I wasn't present for the cermony. My thoughts are to you and the family. All my love and wishes to the Iltens and to Ann the dogs and cats.... Gary A Churchill Atlnata, Georgia
Gary Churchill
Atlanta
GA
Keeping you in my thoughts & prayers, love, Cindi
Cindi Verhines
Bradley
IL
To Ann and the Ilten Family, I'm so sorry to hear about Doug. He was such a talented, fun, caring person with a big heart. Keep your memories close, and keep your loved ones around you. May peace find you at this very difficult time. Please know that my thoughts and prayers are with you.
Jodi Bernet Irish
Marion
IA
Shocked and saddened. I can only write in disbelief. His death is a gigantic loss. I'm so deeply sorry, Ann.
Greg Scott
Chicago
IL
Like so many of the tributes on this page, I grew up knowing Doug. We lived just around the corner from one another for golfers like Doug, about a sand wedge away. I too, hadn't seen Doug in many years, but the thought of his loss saddened me just the same. We shared a love of great music and playing the guitar. We only played together a handful of times, but looking back at it now still brings a smile to my face. To the entire Ilten family, my sincerest condolences.
Jim Ortega
Denver
CO
Dear Ann and family, I'm so gald I got to see you at the beautiful memorial service today in Nashville but I am so sad about Doug.But I do have fond memories of a true friend and someone who was always so nice to my own family. Doug ALWAYS uplifted me when I had hard times in the music buisness and made me realize that life is much more than making money. Thinking of you all at this time.
Billy and Amanda Livsey
nashville
TN
Dear Iltens, I am so very sorry for your loss. I remember many years of wonderful summers at CRCC with Doug and our gang. I am praying for Christ's comfort and peace over you all during this sad time.
Caroline Chadima Johnson
Parker
CO
Dearest Anne and family: The sadness for the loss of one so wonderful as Doug is overwhelming. The tremendous love and respect for him voiced at his service was uplifting, and reconfirmed how blessed we all were to have known him. Yet it is still hard to believe that something so tragic could ever have come upon our "gentle giant friend" Doug. Please know that you have my support and prayers in the days ahead. God bless you.
Judy Rose
Nashville
TN
I would like to thank everyone who have shared with our family. Just like all of you, my memories of Doug are many. We were so close, he was my soul mate, brother and best friend. I have a hole in my heart now, that just doesn't feel like it will heal. I miss him so much and every time I view this memorial, I miss him more. Doug is the one true person we will all meet in our lives. His passion for all of you, our family, his art/music and animals will never be matched. I know he is in Heaven now and at peace. I can see him running down a sandy beach with all the animals that went before him. He definately is listening to the angels sing, laughing that crazy laugh and smiling with those beautiful eyes. Doug, I miss you so and this time getting my bycycle up that hill is not going to be easy. Something Doug will understand Thank you John for all your help during this trying time. All of you were so important to him. Thank you for loving him like we did. Love ya man . . . . Vicki
Vicki L. Peters
Bourbonnais
IL
Dear Ann and the entire Ilten family: Please know that you are all in our hearts and prayers. Gwen and I were deeply saddened and shocked to learn of Doug's passing and regrettably were out of the country during the celebration of his life. Doug was talented and gifted in many areas but his biggest gift was in relationships. You always knew Doug genuinely valued his relationships and friendships and that is a trait that few possess in such earnest measure. The last time I spoke with Doug at length was shortly after my mom died in 2002. Our conversations were of comfort to me and they always concluded with his trademark "love ya man". Doug, we take comfort in knowing that you are in heaven. You will be sorely missed down here. God bless you. Doug and Gwen Stimple