Douglas Purrington ’67

(deceased 12/27/2018)

Douglas Purrington, 73, of Windom died on Dec. 27, 2018, at his home while in hospice care. A memorial service was held at 1 p.m., on Sunday, Jan. 6, at Good Shepherd Episcopal Church in Windom. Rev. Coleen Tully and Fr. John Robertson officiated. Interment of ashes on the family prairie will be at a later date. Douglas Ray Purrington was the third of four sons born to Herbert and Grace (Burton) Purrington. He grew up on the family farm in rural Windom. He attended country school District 25 and Windom Public Schools, graduating in 1963. Doug attended the University of Michigan and Carleton College before entering the Army in 1965. While in the Army he served as a neuro-pyschiatric medic, primarily at Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington, D.C., and the 121st Evac Hospital in Korea. After returning from the Army, Doug finished his college training and graduated from Mankato State College with a degree in education. He met his wife, Rose, while at college. After graduating, he taught fourth grade in Gaylord for six years where he also coached track and cross country. The Gaylord track team won the 1974 Class B Track and Field State Championship while he was coaching. Doug was a lifelong runner himself, running 15 marathons and countless half marathons and shorter races. Doug returned to the family farm in Windom in 1979. He farmed for 35 years. He also volunteered as a track and cross country coach in the Windom school district. He was a lifelong member of Good Shepherd Episcopal Church and served as treasurer for 37 years. Ten years ago, Doug was diagnosed with primary myelofibrosis, a bone marrow cancer. In addition to dealing with that, he began having difficulty breathing in March. He was diagnosed with pulmonary veno occlusive disease, a serious lung condition, in June. Doug was preceded in death by his mother and father; niece, Laurie Purrington Ivens; and foster sister, Janice Kirby. Survivors include his wife, Rose; daughters, Erin and Shannon; and grandson, Liam; brothers and sisters-in-law, Burton and Sandra, Norm and Joni, and Brian and Anne; six nieces and nephews; and 10 great-nieces and nephews.