Douglas "Doug" Lyle Midthun

Douglas Lyle Midthun, age 74, passed away December 21, 2022 at Mayo Clinic Health System, Methodist Hospital, in Rochester, Minnesota.  A memorial service will be held at 1 p.m., Sunday, May 7, 2023 at Zion Lutheran Church, Lake Crystal, with visitation one hour prior to the service at the church as well.  A celebration of his life at The Lakes, Lake Crystal will follow the service.

Doug was born on October 30, 1948 to Marvis (Bob) and Virginia (Ginny) Midthun in Blue Earth MN.  He was confirmed at Zion Lutheran Church, Lake Crystal.  After starting school in Waterville, his family moved to Lake Crystal, where he attended school from second grade on, graduating in 1966.  In high school, he was active in football, basketball, and music.

Doug joined the US Navy in September 1968, following the loss of his cousin, Roger Midthun, in Vietnam.  While in the Navy, he was stationed aboard the USS Constellation as a radioman.  On Sept. 11, 1971, he married Paula Naug in Las Vegas NV.  They added Michelle (Shelley) and Matthew to their family and were later divorced.

Following his honorable discharge from the Navy in 1972, Doug attended Mankato Area Vo-tech and received an accounting degree in 1976.  This was the start of his life-long vocation.  For over 45 years he worked in the accounting field – at now South Central College and his own tax practice.  Whether it was in the front of a classroom or in his office with a tax client, he was a born teacher at heart.

In 1993, Doug asked Karen Myers on a date.  They spent the next almost 30 years enjoying each other and their families, traveling, and building a life together.

The highlight of Doug’s year was always the annual spring fishing trip to Leech Lake with the boys.  He will be remembered for his wonderful laugh, love of music, liberal hippie views, and outgoing personality.  He was a proud veteran and active member of the Lake Crystal community and Zion Lutheran Church.

Grateful to have shared his abbreviated life are partner, Karen Myers; daughter, Shelley (Kevin Grisell) Midthun of Portland OR; son, Matt, and granddaughter, Nora Midthun of Golden CO; brother, Ken (Kay) Midthun of Lake Crystal MN; niece, Steph (Eva Rychly) Midthun of Shoreview MN; and nephew, Pete (Christina) Midthun, Emma, and Logan of St. Peter MN; aunts, Sally Yeager of Winnebago MN and Mary Matteson of Brownfield TX; Karen’s children, Jessica, Chris, and Josh; and grandchildren, Kyle, Ren, Adam, Selah, and one due in May; as well as many close family and lifelong friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; Karen’s parents, Kenneth and Merron Gullickson; aunts, uncles; and Karen’s sister, Jean Strong.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be designated to Zion Lutheran Church, South Central College Foundation, KMSU radio station, or donor’s choice.