Douglas W. Yenzer
August 15, 1948 – October 12, 2020
Age 72
Douglas Wayne Yenzer was raised on a farm. He baled hay, drove tractors, raised sheep for 4H, and could fix anything. In August of 1967 he joined the Navy so he could see the world and get the GI bill to attend Kansas State University.
Doug graduated from KSU in 1974 with a BS in Business Administration, Accounting. He started working at Arthur Young as an audit manager in 1974. In 1978 he earned his CPA license. In December 1980, he started working at Catholic Mutual Group of Omaha as Director of Finance and Administration and was promoted to Vice President-Finance until his retirement in December of 2010. He was President of IASA from 2003-2004. During his 10 great years in retirement, he loved processing claims for Catholic Mutual Group and operated a private tax practice. He was a detail-oriented, meticulous worker with a great work ethic who loved numbers, accounting, and the stock market.
Doug always had a generous and charitable nature and loved doing nice things to help other people. He was very personable and could spark up a conversation with anyone. He always rooted for Kansas State football. He enjoyed golfing and got a hole-in-one at Platteview Country Club on hole #14 at 161 yards with a 6 iron on April 21, 2005. In his younger years he was a regular runner and even summited Pikes Peak twice. He participated in RAGBRAI five times. He loved antiquing, collecting postcards, traveling, driving his mini cooper, and making deliveries to the food pantry, safe haven and shelter.
Doug was very family oriented. He met Karis Anne Castrale while stationed overseas in Germany and on August 14, 1971, they married at St. Mary’s in Bellevue, Nebraska. They were married for 49 years. They have three sons – Derek born in 1973, David born in 1976, and Jeffery born in 1980. The boys were fortunate enough to travel along with him on many of his IASA conferences around the U.S. When he was President, he cleverly maneuvered a plan so the boys could play on stage with the entertainer that year, Jim Belushi and The Sacred Hearts.
He was super close and had a great love for all of his grandchildren. Dax (6), Parker (4), Kennison (3 ½), and Emmerson (1) all held a special place in his heart. His eyes would beam as he shared photos of them with friends. Curious George was a favorite. Parker looked forward to Papa Doug time watching Curious George with him. She has an ABC Omaha book she made with him to always cherish. Dax was very close with Gpa Yenzer. All the grandchildren always looked forward to his visits. He would plop down on the floor with them and interact for hours.
Doug was an honorable, loving, respectable man. He will always hold a special place in numerous people’s hearts. He will never be forgotten and is shining down on us from heaven.
Preceded in death by his parents Calvin and Dorothy Yenzer and son Derek Yenzer.
Survived by his spouse of 49 years, Karis Yenzer; son and daughter-in-law David and Mickayla Yenzer; son and daughter-in-law Jeffery and Joy Yenzer; grandchildren Dax, Parker, Kennison, and Emmerson Yenzer.
Visitation: Friday, October 23rd, at Bellevue Memorial Chapel, beginning at 5:00 p.m. with a Rosary at 7:00 p.m.
Click the link below to view video of the Rosary:
https://boxcast.tv/view/douglas-yenzer-210585
Funeral Service: Saturday, October 24th, 10:30 a.m., at Bellevue Memorial Chapel.
Click the link below to view video of the Funeral Service:
https://boxcast.tv/view/douglas-yenzer-959016
Interment: Bellevue Cemetery
In lieu of flowers, memorials suggested to family for future designation.
3 Comments
Dear Karis and David, I am so saddened to learn of Doug’s passing, my thoughts and condolences are shared with you and your extended family. I was very honored to know Doug as a friend and leader within the Catholic Mutual Group. Doug was instrumental in creating the Canadian operations of Catholic Mutual and Doug’s efforts often placed the two of us to work closely together. I am very fortunate to have a number of wonderful memories of visiting with Doug during my travels to the United States – I will hold those memories close to my heart and I promise you that my respect for Doug wonderful life as a gentlemen, a father, a grandfather and a corporate leader will be unending.
Dale Ricker
To the family of Doug…although I didn’t know Doug for more than a year, I felt like I had known him longer. When I had gone to his house, he showed me so many of his collections and personal memories that were so interesting. He beamed with excitement while telling me the stories behind each item. My friend, Pattie Fidone had told me so many nice things about him as he was always helping volunteer down at Holy Family church. . He was always doing for others and that says so much about a person. He will be missed immensely by so many people. I’m sure he touched more hearts than we could possibly imagine. The only solace from his passing is knowing that he is with our Savior and now watching out for all those who knew him. May your family find peace in the difficult days to come.
Karis, I came across Dougs obit this evening. I am so sorry for your loss. Please know you all have been in my thoughts through the years, and you are in my prayers now.
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