1915
Douglas
2011
Douglas H. Sillers
February 9, 1915 — August 1, 2011
Douglas Hugh Sillers was born in Calvin, ND, on February 9, 1915, to Archie and Mabel (Tuthill) Sillers. He graduated from high school in Calvin and from Concordia College, Moorhead. On August 2, 1941, he married Margaret Baller.
Douglas taught history and coached basketball in Menagha, MN, from 1939-41 and was a field man for the Federal Land Bank in Washburn, ND, from 1941-42. In 1942, he enlisted in the US Navy and was eventually promoted to Lieutenant (Junior Grade) and asked to serve as the Executive Officer aboard an LST in the European Theatre. After World War II ended, he moved his family to a farm south of Moorhead where he raised sugar beets, grains and certified seed for fifty years. In 1963-73, he served in the Minnesota State House of Representatives and in 1973-81, he served in the Minnesota State Senate. He also taught some Political Science classes at Concordia College.
Douglas was a longtime member of several organizations including First Presbyterian Church in Moorhead, Fargo-Moorhead St. Andrew's Society, Northwest Farm Managers, Agassiz Club, Farm Bureau, Tri-College University Board, Red River Valley Sugar Beet Growers Association, American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars, Masonic Lodge, Clay County Soil and Water Conservation District, Concordia College C-400, and Minnesota and Clay County Historical Societies.
Douglas will be especially remembered for his love of Margaret, others in his family, and his friends; his ability to tell stories about his past; his warm smile and keen sense of humor; his kindness, gentleness and giving personality; his high level of energy; his love of the bagpipes and his Scottish heritage; and his overall zest for life. He was an inspiration to many.
Douglas Sillers died Monday, August 1, 2011 in The Waterford, Fargo, at the age of 96. He is survived by his wife, Margaret; his four children and their spouses, Jean (Doug) Bardwell, Huson, MT, Douglas Hal (Leonor) Sillers, Moorhead, Cynthia (Pat Torgeson) Sillers, Fargo, and Heather (Marlin) Rudebusch, Shoreview, MN; seven grandchildren, Andrew (Andrea) and Ian (Yve) Bardwell, Steven (Julie) and Joshua (Sarah) Sillers, and Ella, Elizabeth and Lee Rudebusch; three great-grandchildren; several nieces and nephews; and hundreds of friends.
Douglas was always an optimist, loved people, and had an amazing curiosity for learning about new things. He loved to spend time with his family, of whom he was very proud; visit with friends and with new people; read, watch westerns, learn about history and current events, farm, and to be involved with, as well as discuss, politics. He was loved and will be missed by his family and many friends.
A private family service is being held.
Douglas taught history and coached basketball in Menagha, MN, from 1939-41 and was a field man for the Federal Land Bank in Washburn, ND, from 1941-42. In 1942, he enlisted in the US Navy and was eventually promoted to Lieutenant (Junior Grade) and asked to serve as the Executive Officer aboard an LST in the European Theatre. After World War II ended, he moved his family to a farm south of Moorhead where he raised sugar beets, grains and certified seed for fifty years. In 1963-73, he served in the Minnesota State House of Representatives and in 1973-81, he served in the Minnesota State Senate. He also taught some Political Science classes at Concordia College.
Douglas was a longtime member of several organizations including First Presbyterian Church in Moorhead, Fargo-Moorhead St. Andrew's Society, Northwest Farm Managers, Agassiz Club, Farm Bureau, Tri-College University Board, Red River Valley Sugar Beet Growers Association, American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars, Masonic Lodge, Clay County Soil and Water Conservation District, Concordia College C-400, and Minnesota and Clay County Historical Societies.
Douglas will be especially remembered for his love of Margaret, others in his family, and his friends; his ability to tell stories about his past; his warm smile and keen sense of humor; his kindness, gentleness and giving personality; his high level of energy; his love of the bagpipes and his Scottish heritage; and his overall zest for life. He was an inspiration to many.
Douglas Sillers died Monday, August 1, 2011 in The Waterford, Fargo, at the age of 96. He is survived by his wife, Margaret; his four children and their spouses, Jean (Doug) Bardwell, Huson, MT, Douglas Hal (Leonor) Sillers, Moorhead, Cynthia (Pat Torgeson) Sillers, Fargo, and Heather (Marlin) Rudebusch, Shoreview, MN; seven grandchildren, Andrew (Andrea) and Ian (Yve) Bardwell, Steven (Julie) and Joshua (Sarah) Sillers, and Ella, Elizabeth and Lee Rudebusch; three great-grandchildren; several nieces and nephews; and hundreds of friends.
Douglas was always an optimist, loved people, and had an amazing curiosity for learning about new things. He loved to spend time with his family, of whom he was very proud; visit with friends and with new people; read, watch westerns, learn about history and current events, farm, and to be involved with, as well as discuss, politics. He was loved and will be missed by his family and many friends.
A private family service is being held.
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Douglas H. Sillers, please visit our flower store.
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