Douglas Wayne DeMoe, 56, of Tioga, North Dakota, died Thursday, April 27, 2017 at the Tioga Long Term Care Center surrounded by his loving family. It was on this day he lost his courageous battle with Early Onset Familial Alzheimers.
Doug DeMoe was born on December 14, 1960, in Williston, North Dakota. He was the third of six children born to Galen and Gail DeMoe of Tioga. He was baptized and confirmed at St. Thomas Catholic Church. He was a lifetime resident of Tioga, and graduated from Tioga High School in 1979.
Doug was blessed with a daughter, Jennifer, and a son, Brady. He was the proudest grandfather of his grandson, Glenn Douglas, and his granddaughter, Lilly Ann.
After high school, Doug began his work in the Tioga oilfields. He worked for R.A. Prather/NL Well Service for a few years, continuing with Moe Well Service for 23 additional years, earning him the well-deserved nickname, “Douglatch.” He would complete any task asked of him, and was one of the hardest working members of the crew.
Doug had a love for life. He was an avid Denver Broncos fan and loved watching NASCAR, even attending races in Talladega with his brothers. During his earlier years, he enjoyed wrestling and boxing, and held the honor of earning a state wrestling title. He loved to spend time with his many friends, and especially enjoyed the numerous gatherings at the DeMoe family home. He dedicated his life to his family, friends and work. He was a true steward to his mother, Gail.
Doug was a man of few words, but people could see the compassion in his face through his infectious smile and giggle. He lived a simple, but content, life.
Doug was diagnosed at the age of 43 with Early Onset Familial Alzheimer’s Disease and was a crusader for Alzheimer’s research. His participation in research could potentially hold a key in finding a cure for this disease. Doug beamed with pride when his brother, Dean, presented him with a book written about the family titled, “The Inheritance: A Family on the Front Lines of the Battle against Alzheimer’s Disease.”
Doug is survived by his children, Jennifer DeMoe of Tioga, North Dakota, and Brady Thompson of Powers Lake, North Dakota; sister, Karla (Matt) Hornstein, Fargo, N.D.; brother, Dean (Deb) DeMoe, Thompson, N.D.; brother, Jamie (Chelsey) DeMoe, Tioga, N.D.; grandchildren, Glenn Douglas and Lilly Ann; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Doug was preceded in death by his parents, Galen and Gail DeMoe; brother, Brian; and sister, Lori McIntyre; grandparents; and many other relatives who also succumbed to Early Onset Alzheimer’s Disease.