Douglas Complin

Douglas Raymond Complin of Minnetonka, Minnesota, passed away October 1, 2025, after a brief battle with pancreatic cancer. He was born May 18, 1949, in Minneapolis.

He is survived by his wife, Mary Beth; children Andrea (Rick Berg) Welter, Chris (Brian) Fobbe, Suzy (Terry) Fobbe, Jennifer Welter, Megan (Brian) James, and Dan (Angie) Complin; 15 grandchildren and 2 great-grandchildren. Preceded in death by parents, Struan and Virginia Complin.

Doug grew up in South Minneapolis. He was proud of his roots and attended De La Salle High School. After graduation, he enjoyed adventure including traveling from the start to finish down the Mississippi River by sailboat. Doug later spent nearly 30 years as a union carpenter, a career that reflected his love of building, tinkering, and taking on projects both at home and for his family. A lifelong lover of history and trains, he was active in the Great Northern Railroad Historical Society and volunteered in retirement at the Jackson Street Roundhouse archives, where he made lasting friendships.

Doug's greatest joy was his family. In 1978, he married the love of his life, Mary Beth, and together they built a home full of love, laughter, and strength. As a father, Doug led by example - teaching compassion, respect, reliability, and selflessness not through words alone, but by the way he lived. He was present in the everyday moments and simply being there to listen. His children remember him as reasonable, understanding, and unfailingly supportive, always choosing family first and working tirelessly to provide without ever letting work overshadow what mattered most.

Becoming "Papa" was one of Doug's proudest roles. With 15 grandchildren and 2 great-grandchildren, he cherished every moment spent with them. He was deeply proud of each one, and they brought him great joy.

Doug will be remembered for his quick wit, generous spirit, and the way he made everyone around him feel valued. His presence filled a room with warmth, laughter, and love. He leaves behind a legacy of devotion to family, a love of learning and history, and the gift of countless memories that will be cherished forever.

A funeral service will be held at Immaculate Heart of Mary Church in Minnetonka on Wednesday, October 8, 2025, at 11:00 AM, with visitation beginning one hour prior at 10:00 AM. A luncheon will follow the service at the church.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a gift to a charity meaningful to you, in Doug's honor.