Douglas Bonell Tuttle, age 96, of Overland Park, Kansas passed away February 13, 2020 at the Colonial Village surrounded by loving family. Doug was born April 19, 1923 in Livingston, Wisconsin to Clayton Larabee Tuttle and Edna Belle Tuttle (Bonell). Seventy years later as he visited his birthplace, he fondly recalled playing in the display window of the pharmacy his father owned. Doug was preceded in death by his parents, his sister Lenore, his loving wife of 55 years Marybelle and his granddaughter Kimberly.
Doug was actively involved in researching his family history and discovered direct lineage to our Tuttle family who arrived in Boston from London in 1635. Many hours were spent in his sharing of this information. This encouraged him to write memoirs from which we were able to obtain information.
Doug graduated Mary D Bradford High School in 1941 in Kenosha, Wisconsin, and then attended classes at the Chicago Technical College. He initially worked at Frost Company on WW11 deferment as chief tool designer. He was then appointed to Kings Point Merchant Marine Academy (New York) in 1943 and 1944. He served on munition transports in the South Pacific and was honorably discharged in 1945. The same year Doug returned to Kenosha and married his high school love, Marybelle Richards. There they raised their three children, built their first home and lived the American dream. In 1952, Doug joined Webster Electric in Racine, WI as an industrial engineer. He transferred to Frankfort, KY in 1954 where he served in varying managerial positions until he eventually became plant manager of Sta-Rite Industries. Here he remained until retirement at age 55.
Doug was a loving but tough father. He was actively involved with youth organizations as well as civic and personal endeavors. He served as a Boy Scout Explorer Leader, volunteered at Girl Scout Camp Judy Layne and served as Youth Fellowship leader at the First Baptist Church in Frankfort; a board member of KY Public Safety Commission, the Salvation Army and the American Red Cross. He was an active Rotarian who hosted students from multiple countries. For 59 years, he was a Brother of the Masonic Fraternity. He was a founding member of the Lafayette Club (#8), Lexington, KY and a founding member of the Grand Marais Yacht Club. He and Marybelle loved traveling throughout the country as well as Northern Europe and Mexico. They sailed, enjoyed horseracing, IndyCar races and wintered in AZ. After retirement, he built their dream cabin in the woods in northern MN near his son David’s family. He thrived in helping them reestablish Bearskin Lodge as a premier resort destination.
After 55 years of marriage, he lost his Marybelle. Several years’ later friends introduced him to a bubbly kind lady, Ginny Dean, in AZ. They married in Ames, IA by a friend (a retired Methodist minister) on 12/18/2002. They bought their winter home in Surprise, AZ and spent their summer months on the Gunflint Trail continuing their active lifestyle. He returned to Europe 2 more times, made stained glass windows for all 3 of his children, enjoyed woodcarving, sketching, solving crossword puzzles, reading and was still bicycling at age 91. As he was unable to maintain his arms in an elevated position to play his organ, he had to give this up; thus, he began genealogy research. At 94, he took acrylic painting classes. It was fitting that in his last week of life he was reading, Tuesdays with Morrie by Mitch Albom.
Doug’s achievements are significant, as is our loss. He is survived by his wife, Ginny Tuttle of Overland Park, KS; Daughter, Patricia J. Worsfold (Ron) of Grimes, IA; Sons, Dr. Douglas R. Tuttle (Laura) of Anacortes, WA and David T. Tuttle (Barbara) of Grand Marais, MN. Step daughters; Carol Wagner (Terry) and Dianne Jenkins (Jim) of MO 6 grandchildren, and 10 great grandchildren, 3 nephews and their families.
“He was no longer afraid of the storm, for he learned to sail his ship”. Taken in part from Louisa May Alcott. Doug’s Celebration of Life will take place this summer/ fall in Grand Marais, MN. Contributions may be made to the Gunflint Trail Volunteer Fire Department, 7401 Gunflint Trail, Grand Marais, MN 55604.
Heartfelt gratitude is extended to the Good Shephard Hospice of Lenexa, KS, Colonial Village of Overland Park, KS, Jessica, RN, Janet, SW and Christina, Tech rendered the loving, supportive care that served Doug well. Thank you.
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