Doug grew up in Hackettstown, New Jersey where the family had a dairy farm. Doug arrived in Lincoln at age 18 to attend the University of Nebraska. While there, he met his wife of 60 years, Joan, while getting ice cream at the UNL Dairy Store. He graduated from the University of Nebraska with degrees in Agriculture and Business.
Doug and Joan married in 1964 and had four children. He worked at State Farm Insurance for 37 years. Doug had a remarkable garden and was known as the master gardener of the neighborhood. Doug’s hobbies were cooking, golfing, traveling and cheering for the Huskers.
He enjoyed spending time with his family and taking an annual trip to the East Coast with his family to visit his parents and siblings. Doug was a devoted and loving husband, a supportive and caring father, a fun and attentive grandfather, and a friend to everyone who knew him.
Family members include his wife Joan; children Leigh A. Haefle, Susan (Rad) Dobson, Lynn Mach, and Douglas (Erin) Haefle, all of Lincoln; grandchildren Hannah (Creighton) Kathol, Emmett and Charlie Mach, Jack, Kate and Graham Dobson, Berkleigh and Harper Haefle; sister Joan E. Haefle, Cherry Hill NJ; brother Pete Haefle, Novi, MI; several nieces, and nephews and many friends.
Preceded in death by his parents.
Memorial service: 11:00 am Friday, May 2, 2025, First-Plymouth Church, 2000 D Street, Lincoln NE.
Memorials to the family for future designation.