Douglas A. Buzzell, 70

Douglas A. Buzzell, age 70 of Mellen, WI passed away Monday, Nov 5, 2018 at Saint Luke’s Medical Center in Duluth, MN surrounded by his loving family.  

Doug was born Nov 2, 1948 to Walter M. and Ruth E. (Olson) Buzzell in Tracy, MN.

Doug grew up in Tracy, MN. He graduated from Osseo High School (Twin Cities area) in 1966. He enlisted in the U.S. Navy that same year. He served four years aboard the USS Tripoli during the Vietnam war, where his primary focus was air traffic control. After serving his country, he studied surveying at the Dunwoody Institute in Minneapolis, MN. He moved to Northern Wisconsin to begin working with Nelson Surveying. Doug then worked at the James River Paper Mill in Ashland for over 25 years, until its closing. 

During that time, he met and was united in marriage to Irene E. Neibauer on Feb 11, 1984 in Marengo, WI. He later retired in 2015 after working at Tri-M in Mellen for many years. He enjoyed spending his free time four-wheeling and camping; watching the Vikings and NASCAR. He also loved traveling, reading, gardening and cooking. His greatest passion was spending time with his family. He will be remembered for his sense of humor, extensive knowledge and underlying compassion.

Survivors include his wife, Irene of Mellen; son, Matthew Buzzell of Los Angeles, CA; daughters, Emily Buzzell of Phoenix, AZ, Tracey (Donald) Wiener of Mason, WI and Denise (Al) Falewitch of Navarre, FL; grandchildren, Laken, Kelsie (Jackson), Kyle, Jaelyn, Jacob, Troy and Tanya (Jorean, Jonah, Jayda); mother, Ruth Buzzell of Salem, OR; brothers, Scott (Mary) of Salem OR and Craig of Mellen; sister, Janet Buzzell of Portland, OR; as well as many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his father, Walter; granddaughter, Sophia; grandson, Noah and nephew Christian.

A memorial service for family and friends was held Saturday at Immanual Lutheran Church in Mellen with Reverend Karl Wellnitz officiating.  Military honors under the auspices of the Mellen VFW Post 2273 followed the service.

Interment will be held privately at a later date.

Online condolences for Doug’s family may be left at MountainFuneralHomes.com