Douglas D. Reynolds
Douglas Dale Reynolds, age 77, of McGregor, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, April 24, 2024, in Madison, Wis., surrounded by loved ones.
He was born in Cedar Rapids on Oct. 15, 1946, to Dale and Elizabeth (Thomas) Reynolds. The family moved to the Marquette-McGregor area in 1948. Doug attended MarMac elementary and high school. In January 1970, he graduated from UW-La Crosse. Upon graduation, he enlisted in the U.S. Army. He served at White Sands Missile Range in Las Cruces, N.M. He married Kathleen Elliott on July 31, 1971. Together they happily raised two children, Amy and Ben. They later divorced.
Doug returned home in 1972 and enjoyed living in the Marquette-McGregor area for the rest of his life. He took over the family business, McGregor Roofing Company, in 1974 and ran it until his retirement. In the early 1990s, Doug rented Amy her first horse after she begged for one for her birthday. He fell back in love with his childhood hobby, and he began buying horses. Soon after, he purchased a farm outside McGregor. This farm turned into “The Ranch,” where he hosted friends and cowboys every Wednesday along with the annual Father’s Day ride and the epic annual “Rib Ride” each August. The Ranch was a welcoming place to all and became a home away from home to many.
Doug loved all things that went fast, and his passions reflected that. Whether he was racing his Jeep, boating to Wyalusing Beach, cruising the highways in his 1973 corvette or riding his favorite horse, he was going to be first! As a kid, Doug enjoyed a chocolate milkshake made by his doting big sister, Sharon, from the family’s root beer stand, The Little Swiss Drive Inn. And while he always enjoyed a good chocolate milkshake, he would also come to enjoy an ice cold Coors Light with friends.
He was a lifelong Iowa Hawkeye fan and never missed a football or basketball game. It became tradition for his son, Ben, to come home to watch all the Hawkeye games with his dad and friends. Doug looked forward to the Iowa-Wisconsin game each year and all of the good-natured ribbing, pranks and bets that went on with his friends from both sides of the river. His last audible words were “Go Hawks!”
He is survived by his children, Amy (Eric) Gohs of Bexley, Ohio, and Benjamin Reynolds of La Crosse, Wis.; three grandsons, Holden, Sawyer and Fisher Gohs, aka “The Boys,” of Bexley, Ohio; many nieces and nephews; devoted best friend and loving partner, Ruth Jacoby; and so many close friends it would be impossible to list them all.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Dale and Elizabeth Reynolds; sisters, Karen “Gussie” Kyle and Sharon Matthew; and four nieces in infancy.
The family would like to express their appreciation to the staff at Gundersen Lutheran - La Crosse and Select Specialty Hospital - Madison for their care and kindness they gave to Doug. And, a heartfelt thank you to the many friends and family that provided all of us with love and support via visits, calls, cards, messages and prayers. We will never forget the light you gave to us during this very dark time.
Per Doug’s request, the family is planning a celebration of life at The Ranch later this summer.
All Faiths Funeral & Cremation Services of Madison is assisting the family. Online condolences can be shared at www.866allfaiths.com.
