Douglas W. Stephens

Douglas “Doug” Wayne Stephens was born on July 4th, 1968 in Dodgeville, Wisconsin, the first of three boys born to Wayne Curtis Stephens and Jane Elaine (Weier) Stephens.

 Doug was an only child for only 14 months and ten days before his brother Mark Stephens was born. They would be the best of friends, roommates, and occasional partners in mischief from that point forward. As a toddler, Doug would grab Mark by the hand to lead him into adventure (or trouble, depending on your perspective). It was through this partnership that young Doug learned the value of a hard-working, trustworthy collaborator.

In 1973, Doug began his lifelong appreciation for academics at Ridgeway Elementary School. Despite Ridgeway being a small community, Doug made quick friends with Jim Brunker and Mark Bender, among many others he would remain friends with throughout his life. With a quick grin and big blue eyes, Doug charmed the teachers, too.

 In 1974, Doug’s youngest brother, Jason, was born. Doug adored his baby brother and taught him the value of quick wit and a sly sense of humor. They shared a language of mischievous side-eyes and the understated delivery of subtle sarcasm.

 Hobbies played a big part in Doug’s childhood. In elementary school, he played basketball for the Ridgeway Cardinals and softball with the Wakefield 4-H Club. Whether you were on his team or not, he wants you to know that he enjoyed playing with you.

From his mother, Doug learned to be selfless and kind. From his father, he learned the importance of earning your accomplishments and to appreciate the little things. On his own and with his brother and their friends, Doug enjoyed exploring the oak savannah, pine trees, and small pond near his childhood home. He enjoyed fishing for bullheads with his grandfather Eddie Weier, and he hunted deer with his dad. As a teenager, Doug discovered one of his lifelong passions: archery.

 But, the outdoors also meant hard work. Doug put in many hours baling hay and milking cows with his grandfather Eddie and uncle Dan Weier on his grandparents family farm. The gentle strength and amazing home cooked meals of his grandmother, Mary Jane Weier, were expressions of love that taught Doug the value of nurturing, selflessness, and hospitality.

As he worked his way through Dodgeville High School, Doug found himself in some difficult classes that required new qualities he would come to lean on throughout his life - forethought in planning and tenacity in execution. Doug also developed a bit of an entrepreneurial spirit in high school. As a junior and senior, he sold thousands of Little Debbie snacks from his duffel bag to earn money for college. In 1986, he graduated from high school and enrolled in the Electro-Mechanical Technology 2-year degree program at Southwest Technical College in Fennimore, WI that fall. If you bought snacks from Doug, he thanks you for investing in his education.

 In 1988, he found a place to build his skills and earn a living in Randolph, WI. Doug was proud of his work at Busse Brothers and was always eager to give tours of the manufacturing facility. Over his four years in Randolph, he formed lifelong friendships. Kevin Fuller and Cory Neuman shared his love of fishing, travel, and occasional mischief - like the time Doug tapped into his low-key charisma to win a “Best Buns” contest at Sergio’s Mexican Restaurant on the east side of Madison. Doug never bragged about that. Low-key charisma is low-key, after all.

In the fall of 1992, with some work experience under his belt, Doug left Randolph and enrolled in the engineering program at UW-Platteville. He also rejoined his brother Mark as roommates, as the two of them rented an apartment together a few blocks from campus.

Over the following years, Doug tenaciously pursued academic success. He became heavily involved in the co-ed engineering fraternity Theta Tau, where he was the recording scribe. He cooked many meals and took great care of his fraternity house; his way of showing his Theta Tau brothers and sisters how much he loved and respected them.

It was at UW-Platteville that Doug first saw Tammy Salmon. As he passed her in the entrance of Otts Hall (back then, the STEM Hub on campus), Doug’s heart fluttered. As a fellow engineering student, Doug knew who Tammy was, but she didn’t know him… Yet. But he sure was interested in introducing himself. Doug sought counsel with a mutual friend, who told Doug that he needed to be direct and ask Tammy on a date if that’s what he wanted. So he did.

Doug and Tammy went to see “Gods and Monsters” on their first date, and while neither was fond of the film, they wanted a good excuse to spend time together and they liked one another quite a lot. Doug owned a red Harley Davidson soft-tail classic at the time, and while Tammy’s parents, Bruce and Deb, weren’t keen on the motorcycle, they quickly grew to love Doug with all their hearts. Doug sold that motorcycle shortly thereafter, and Doug and Tammy were married two years later as they continued to support one another pursuing their professional careers at UW-Platteville.

 In 1998, Doug earned his degrees in Industrial Engineering and Business, and not long thereafter began working for UW-Platteville. He and Tammy shared a love of engineering, higher education, and for the people and structures that make up an esteemed academic institution. Doug ascended to the role of Senior Campus Planner, and retired in 2023 after 23 years with the university. As campus planner, Doug’s collaborative spirit, measured foresight, and tenacious efforts positively impacted hundreds of projects that have been enjoyed and appreciated by tens of thousands of students and faculty.

Not only did Doug and Tammy share a bond through their education and careers, but Doug quickly found his place as a loved member of the Salmon family as well. He cherished his relationships with Michelle (Salmon) & Tom Breuer - and their kids James (and Hailie), Maria (and Nicholas), and Emma; Tiffany (Salmon) & Matt Akins - and their kids, Will and Maddie. Tammy’s brother, Travis, had a special bond with Doug around their shared love of archery. Through family gatherings, camping, hunting and fishing trips throughout the years, Doug added his spirit to the mix. Doug always knew what other people needed, and he gave it freely. He was always grateful to have been part of such loving families.

 In 2002, Doug and Tammy welcomed their daughter, Mary Jane “MJ” Stephens into their lives. She would be his entire world. Doug’s expertise with tasty snacks, willingness to be silly, and his sweet demeanor made him a wonderful father. Doug also took “Dad Jokes” to another level, always with a subtle grin and impeccable timing. He patiently encouraged MJ to try new things and explore her interests. It filled him with pride to cheer her on from the sidelines as she competed in track & field and volleyball. Fatherhood allowed Doug to demonstrate that good men are patient, kind, and selfless.

 Doug was thrilled to see MJ do well in school and get involved in the community. It made him so proud that she followed in her parents’ footsteps when she earned her engineering degree at UW-Platteville. When MJ started dating Luke Kamps, Doug saw in him the same qualities he valued in himself. Luke is caring, patient, and kind, in addition to being resourceful and selfless. When MJ married Luke in 2023, Doug’s love and pride was obvious as he walked her down the aisle to start her life with such a wonderful man.

Throughout his life, Doug’s love of archery remained constant. He went on many adaptive hunts and competition shoots with his brother-in-law Travis. They both enjoyed the friendly, competitive vibe of their relationship. Losing Travis in 2024 was heartbreaking for Doug.

Doug earned his fair share of archery accolades, including at least half a dozen Badger State Games medals. Doug placed 2nd in the National US State Games in 2015, shooting from the length of a football field. To Doug, archery was a meditation. “Putting circles within circles” was what he called the challenge, but practicing was just as enjoyable as competing.

 In recent years, Doug and Tammy took advantage of the time they had. They enjoyed many fishing trips to Canada, the Mississippi River, and northern Wisconsin. Whether with their camper or boat, spending time together in nature was healing when they needed healing. It was calming when they needed calming, and it was a shared love. In 2022, they purchased Bitesize Tackle, the company that makes the Miller Wobblerspinbait. Doug enjoyed the process of making these popular lures by hand. It was meditative with a purpose.

Doug’s quiet, thoughtful presence was so welcoming. He had a knack for making everyone around him smile.

 Sitting in a comfortable chair, feet up, watching the Brewers with his grand-puppy Sadie between his knees was his happy place in recent years. Looking back on his life, Doug said, “I feel like a little Capuchin monkey leaping from branch to branch. It all felt so perfect. No missed grabs, no getting lost, everything was right where it was supposed to be.”

 For all of us who loved him, Doug Stephens was right where he was supposed to be.

Funeral services will be at 11:00 AM Wednesday, October 14, 2026, at the Lutheran Church of Peace, Platteville.  Rev. Jasmine Tesdahl will officiate.  Burial will be at a later date.  Visitation will be from 4:00 – 7:00 PM Tuesday, October 13, 2026, at the Melby Funeral Home & Crematory, Platteville, and from 10:00 AM until the time of the service at the church.  Online condolences can be made at www.melbyfh.com.