Douglas Leon Sheldahl

Douglas Sheldahl ObituaryObituary published on Legacy.com by Merle Hay Funeral Home on Mar. 5, 2026.A funeral service for Douglas will be held on Friday, March 6 at 12:00 at Merle Hay Funeral Home (4400 Merle Hay Road, Des Moines, IA 50310). Following the service, there will be a committal service with military honors out in the cemetery.Douglas Leon Sheldahl was born on 12 Sep 1944 in Des Moines, IA to RB Lorn and Twyla Sheldahl. He is defined as a Christian, Father, Grandfather, Brother, Civil Engineer and Navy Seabee Combat Veteran.Doug was raised in Grimes and started flying at 14, a precursor to a lifelong love of aviation. He worked alongside his father RB, a homebuilder, until graduating from Johnston HS which was a guide for a life in construction, leading to countless hours on a bulldozer moving dirt, which he loved.Doug earned a Civil Engineering degree from the University of lowa. When the draft called, he followed RB's footsteps & joined the Navy as a Seabee (Construction Battalions). He spent time in Vietnam in combat, Thailand, Greece, and Australia. He continued with the Navy; engineering the runway construction on Diego Garcia in the Indian Ocean.After the Navy, Doug was a project engineer for Green Construction. Projects included the Prudhoe Bay pipeline in the frozen wilds of Alaska and the construction of the Saylorville Dam back home. He was an avid reader, always looking for knowledge, seeking to "construct" his next project. Doug loved to build and engineering wasn't just about fiberoptics, radio towers, & telecommunications, though he moved plenty of earth to lay those cables across the Midwest. Every tower he erected and every mile of cable he plowed, had a singular, sacred purpose: Bring Christian broadcasting to the communities, his true life's mission & reach as many souls as possible for the Lord.Beyond the blueprints and the heavy machinery, Doug was a proud, supportive father and grandfather who cherished his time with his family. Perhaps, nowhere was his zest for life more clear than when he was along for the ride with his brother, Eric-jets, helicopters, jet motorcycles and cars. If it had a propellor or a blast, Doug wanted to be there to share the story over a great meal.Ultimately, Doug's life wasn't defined by the dirt he moved, but by the faith that moved him. His relationship with Jesus was his bedrock. It gave him hope, guided his hands, and fueled his generosity. We take comfort knowing that his mission is complete, his project is finished, and he is finally at home with the Lord.Doug loved his family deeply. He leaves behind his son, Matthew (Carly Arnold) Sheldahl; daughter, Jamie (Mike) Silver; grandchildren, Pearey and Jude Silver; brother, Eric (Mary) Sheldahl; niece, Shelly Sheldahl; nephew/great nephew, Ethan & Brody Claus; Stepchildren, Tracy Condon & Bret Blize; many dear cousins & lifelong friends.If you were to ask Doug for one last piece of advice, he would tell you exactly what he told so many throughout his life: "Know the Word. Give your life over to the Lord. Accept Jesus as your Lord & Savior. Without Him, you have no hope."The family wishes to extend gratitude to the care staff at Rock Creek Senior Living. A thank you to Suncrest Hospice, who took him on his "last great flight." The VA for the care to support the Veterans who fight for our freedom. And a special thank you to cousin, Ron, for the country drives Doug treasured these last few years.Any donations in honor of Doug, please consider the: Midwest Food Bank AZ, 725 E Baseline Rd, Gilbert, AZ 85233.To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.