Douglas L. "Doug" Walish 1953 - 2017

NORTON, WALISH, HENDRICKSON

Posted By: Connie Swearingen- Volunteer (email)
Date: 4/18/2017 at 11:57:26

Sioux City Journal
5 April 2017

.SIOUX CITY | Douglas L. "Doug" Walish, 64, of Sioux City, died peacefully and surrounded by family Sunday, April 2, 2017, at a Sioux City hospital.

Visitation will be 4 to 7:30 p.m. Thursday, with a rosary at 4 p.m. and a prayer service at 7 p.m., at Morningside Chapel, Christy-Smith Funeral Home. Private family graveside services will be Friday in Memorial Park Cemetery.

Douglas L. "Doug" Walish, the son of James and Doris Leota (Norton) Walish, was born on Jan. 21, 1953, in Sioux City. He graduated from East High School in Sioux City in 1971 and went on to attend Wayne State College, studying political science.

Doug began his political career working as a staff assistant to U.S. Senator Tom Harkin, serving constituents in Iowa, which fueled his love of politics and public service. In 1994, he became the public relations person for the Boat Yes referendum. He was also the public relations coordinator for Opportunities Unlimited until 1999, helping to promote public consciousness of brain injuries.

Doug was elected to the Woodbury County Board of Supervisors in 1998. During his 12 years, he served as board chair in 2003, 2007, and 2008. Doug served on many committees and instituted the creation of new departments and programs for Woodbury County.

Doug found the love of his life, Kimberle (Hendrickson) Browne and her daughter, Sarah Browne, and on June 12, 1999 they were united as a family at Morningside Lutheran Church in Sioux City. Doug loved to travel and enjoyed taking his family on vacations here and abroad. He cherished his parenting years with Kim following Sarah's many school activities and sports. He loved the great outdoors. He and Kim spent many hours in their backyard enjoying the wildlife. Doug loved animals, especially his dog, Crystal, along with he and Kim's cats.

One of his greatest joys was seeing Sarah marry Kelly and becoming a grandfather to two beautiful grandchildren.

After his departure from the Board of Supervisors, Doug continued his work for the betterment of his community by working for Community Action Agency of Siouxland, administering Homelessness Prevention and Energy Assistance.

Doug is survived by his wife, Kimberle of Sioux City; daughter, Sarah (Kelly) Davey of Spencer, Iowa; two grandchildren, Cambrie and Nathaniel; two sisters, Patricia Houlihan of Sioux City, and Kathy (Gerald) Herndon of Kansas City, Mo.; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; and other various relatives.

With their love of animals, Kim and Doug have chosen Noah's Hope Animal Rescue to receive any memorials.