Douglas J. Reynolds

Douglas J. Reynolds 77, of Walthill, NE went to his heavenly home on Thursday, October 20, 2022, surrounded by his family, at Unity Point St. Luke's Hospital in Sioux City, IA. The visitation will be on Tuesday, October 25, 2022, from 5:00 p.m. until 7:30 p.m. at Munderloh-Smith Funeral Home in Pender, with a prayer service starting at 7:30 p.m.  The graveside service with military honors will be on Wednesday, October 26, 2022, at 11:00 a.m. at Evergreen Cemetery in Walthill.  In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to the Walthill Senior Center and the Walthill Fire Department.  Arrangements are under the direction of Munderloh-Smith Funeral Home in Pender.  

Douglas James Reynolds was born on October 5, 1945, in Walthill NE, at the Picotte Hospital, the son of Jim and Kathryn (Loofe) Reynolds.  Doug grew up in Walthill where he spent a formidable amount of time on his grandpa Dean’s farm. He graduated from Walthill High School with the Class of 1963. After high school, Doug attended the University of Nebraska where he learned he wanted to be a farmer.  He then farmed before being drafted into the United States Army.  Doug served his country in the Vietnam War where he earned his honorable discharge. After the army, Doug returned home where he worked for IBP, Campbell Manufacturing, and Prince Manufacturing before farming full-time. 

In 1987 Doug was united in marriage to Jeanne (Nelson) Whelchel.  They made their home on Doug’s grandpa Dean’s farm where Doug continued his grandpa’s legacy.  Doug and Jeanne later divorced.  In 2000 Doug met Shelia Smith and fell in love again.  In 2005 Doug retired from farming and began working for Cooney Fertilizer until 2021 when he retired.

Doug loved farming and raising livestock.  He was kindhearted and gentle and would help anyone in need at a moments notice. He often spoke of driving the Blue Goose to Colorado to go skiing with the Walthill Ski Club.  Doug loved fishing and taking yearly trips to Lake Franklin near Pelican Rapids, MN for many years of his life. He also enjoyed the many trips to Canada with various groups of friends.  In more recent years Doug and Shelia began wintering at their home in Peoria, AZ. During his retirement, Doug’s favorite pastime was staying warm and watching old westerns from his recliner.  Doug loved spending time with his family and friends, especially his grandchildren. 

Doug is survived by his partner of 20 years, Shelia Smith; sons, Tony (Megan) Whelchel, and Barrett Fischer; Shelia’s children, Chris (Jennifer) Smith, Valerie (Kristopher) Olson, and Jeffrey (Tori) Smith; grandchildren, McKenna and Cody Whelchel, Ethan and Ellie Smith, Everett and Lillian Olson, and Maxwell and Penelope Smith; sister, Mary K. (Don) Schenk; brother-in-law, Neal McQuistan; and five nephews; numerous cousins. 

Doug was preceded in death by his parents, and sister, Georgia McQuistan.