Douglas John Meyer was born on August 10, 1948 to Emil J. and Helen Meyer of rural Temple, ND. He attended school through 7th grade at the Temple School until it closed in 1961. He graduated from Ray High School in 1966. Doug attended NDSU Fargo for 3 years during the fall and winter quarters taking agricultural courses with the plan that he would come home to farm. During this time, Doug enlisted in the National Guard and served out of Williston for many years. He liked being a "weekend warrior" and made many friends throughout the area.
He served on the Ray School Board and the Golden Valley Township Board. He was a member of the Ray Lutheran Church. Doug was known to be friendly and gregarious and a great story-teller. He was creative, intelligent, and witty. His favorite group were called "the usual suspects" and included his dear friends, Roger and Kathy Enders, Greg Larson, Bill and Lil Meiers, and Dick and Ione Cothran. Doug was a founding member of the Ray Ramblers motorcycle club. This group provided a social network that he loved being a part of including Wednesday evening suppers and trips and adventures together over the years. He loved attending the Sturgis Rally and was able to go for 29 consecutive years. In the early 1980's Doug became a Dad to Mason and Mindy Marquardt. Mason has been farming and ranching with his Dad for the last 25 years.
Doug loved the farm and the life that he had in his community with his friends and family. He could picture himself doing nothing else in life. He is survived by his son, Mason Marquardt (Tina Glaholt) and grandchildren, Hailey and Matthew, of Ray; daughter, Melinda (Lonnie) Hove, Trenton, and granddaughter, Autumn and great-granddaughter, Banxlee, of Williston; granddaughters, Noelle and Kaity Hove of Trenton; sister and brother-in-law, Pamela (Wayne) Handley of Oroville, CA; brother, Stephen Meyer of rural Ray; sister, Andrea Meyer of Williston; and brother and sister-in-law, John (CarolLynne) Meyer of Chico, CA. He also leaves behind nieces, Aysha Handley, Courtney (Paul) Voorheis, Katina Meyer-Klubben, Marisa (William) Brenny, and Kristen Meyer; nephews, Chris Meyer, Matt Meyer, and Clayton Relf. He was great-uncle to Kristina, Gunner, Nevada, and Meadow. He also leaves behind many good friends.
Doug was preceded in death by his parents, Emil and Helen Meyer; nephew, Tom Meyer. Cremation has taken place and his remains will be buried in the family plot at Temple Cemetery after the next crop is planted.