Doug Whelchel, 77, of Newcastle, Nebraska entered into rest and went to be with Jesus on Sunday, September 6, 2020 at a Sioux City care facility.

A Celebration of Doug’s Life will be held at Gospel Chapel in Newcastle on September 28 ^th at 7:00 PM, officiated by Pastor John Smith. The family is being assisted by Waterbury Funeral Service of Sioux City.

Gary E. “Doug” Whelchel, the son of Ervin and Rose (Wagner) Whelchel, was born July 30, 1943 in Sioux City. Doug grew up and attended school in Newcastle and the Sioux City area.

Doug was united in marriage to Luzon “Jackie” Surber on February 6, 1960. Doug served in the Army from 1966 to 1968.  He and another soldier received an award for saving seven German Nationals from a house fire while stationed in Germany.  Upon returning from the service he worked in Burbank, California at Bob’s Big Boy as a cook, and after returning to Sioux City worked for W.A. Klinger Construction company.  In the mid 1970’s he owned and operated “Doug’s Café” and apartments in Jackson.  Later he was self employed in the Ponca and Newcastle area.

Doug loved to travel during his life, and in his younger days, going out hunting. More recently, he enjoyed being at home feeding and watching the birds on his birdfeeders. Everybody knew how much he loved his dog “Snuggles” (and tolerated Jackie’s cat “Kitty-Kitty”). He was a member of the Newcastle American Legion Post 62.

Doug is survived by his beloved wife, Luzon “Jackie” Whelchel, his son Kevin (Jean) Whelchel of Newcastle, Nebraska and his daughter Jodie (Roger) Hanner of Sioux City, his grandchildren; Cody (Jessica) Hanner, Derek (Lizzy) Whelchel, Amanda (Travis) Gore, Dylan (Mandy) Whelchel, Seth Hanner and Charity Hanner, his great-grandchildren; Helaina, Audriahna, Maaliyah, Roselahni, Elsie and Kendall, his siblings; Laura, Shirley, Betty, Joan, Karen and Sheryl, and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his brothers, Terry and Jerry, and his sisters Jean, Darlene, La Vonne and Dorothy.