Doug frequented Hiawatha Care Center and was our main driver from O'Connell's. I had the pleasure of getting to know him well as he always came 15 minutes early to transport residents to and from appointments to ensure they were checked in and settled (no other transport driver I have ever met was so prompt). I specifically remember his patience with staff and residents and his kindness towards everyone that encountered him. On the skilled unit, resident's go to appointments all the time that will determine continued insurance coverage for their stay at HCC. This tends to be a stressful time for residents, and I always knew when Doug walked in our doors that our resident's would be in the best hands. MULTIPLE residents would relay Doug's kindness and open ear during their rides there and back to appointments, Doug had a way of making those resident's not only feel safe in their travels but helped settle their fears and anxieties. He was a transport driver, yes, but to the residents and staff at Hiawatha Care Center he was so much more. Thank you for sharing Doug with Hiawatha Care Center's staff and residents.
Kent Walton (Administrator at Hiawatha Care Center/Promise House)
December 26, 2025
I grew up with Doug and his family at the First Congregational church, probably when we were 8 or 9 years old. Fond memories… also went to McKinley and Washington with him. He was always a go getter and leader. God Bless Doug…Nabes
Craig Naber
December 25, 2025
I grew up with Doug and his family at the First Congregational church, probably when we were 8 or 9 years old. Fond memories… also went to McKinley and Washington with him. He was always a go getter and leader. God Bless Doug…Nabes
Craig Naber
December 25, 2025
Doug and I were childhood friends. His dad took us to Coralville in winter. We skated on the ice. awe must have been in 5th or 6th grade. Vivid memory of happiness?
Kenton Smith
December 23, 2025
I'm going to miss you, buddy. Thanks for all the great memories and laughs. Thank you for the awesome times we had at the lake. R.I.P., my friend.
Rosie
December 23, 2025
Thank you Signe and John for that beautiful tribute to Doug. I am so glad I got to talk to Doug at our 50th Reunion and share some life stories. He will be missed but never forgotten. Also, thanks to Cedar Memorial for the video post of Doug's service.
Craig Boretsky
December 23, 2025
Thanks to Signe and John Henderson for sharing their loving memories of Doug. Also, thanks to Cedar Memorial for providing the livestream of the memorial so that those of us who are far away could share this time to reflect on Doug. He was a kind and generous spirit and will be greatly missed.
Steve Benton
December 23, 2025
Ricer, we enjoyed our time together and our adventures. I will miss not hanging out with you again. You were a friend and I am better to have known you. You da Man, safe travels
Doug Kacena
December 22, 2025
So sorry for your loss. He was a wonderful neighbor. He treated my grandkids like his own. He will be truly missed.
Tammy Boies
December 22, 2025