Douglas Warren DeHaan, Husband, Father, Grandfather, Great-Grandfather, and Friend returned home to his Heavenly Father on February 1, 2024.
Doug was born on June 16, 1931, in Spokane, Washington, to Joseph and Gladys DeHaan.
Doug has a younger sister named Norma and was preceded in death by his older brother Richard.
Doug served in the Army at Fort Richardson Military Base in Anchorage Alaska. Doug attended college at Washington State University and the University of Washington and started his career in Consumer Financial Services. He served as a Government Relations Director for many years and was active in politics.
Barbara Louise Harris joined Doug in Anchorage and they were married on March 19, 1955. They were sealed for Time and All Eternity in the Salt Lake City Temple on December 6, 1955. Doug and Barbara enjoyed nearly 69 years together as a couple. Doug was devoted to Barbara and his four children and was a powerful example and patriarch to his family. He dedicated his life to serving others and developed a strong faith in Jesus Christ.
He is survived by his wife Barbara, age 92, his 2 sons Terrence Joseph DeHaan and Roger Lee DeHaan, and his daughter Julienne DeHaan Przybyla. His oldest daughter, Rochelle DeHaan Hamblin, passed away one month prior on January 2, 2024. Doug and Barbara have 13 grandchildren and 36 great grandchildren.
Throughout his life, Doug developed a strong relationship with Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ. He served in many communities and callings (service positions) in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. Some of his callings in the church included Bishop (three times), Stake President Counselor (under two different Presidents), and Stake President, for a combined service in the Stake of 19 years. He also served as a Regional Representative and Temple Sealer, sealing many of his children and grandchildren in the temple.
Barbara and Doug opened the Florida Jacksonville Mission and he served as the Mission President for three years (1987 – 1990). Working with faithful young men and women to share the gospel of Jesus Christ was one of Doug’s most rewarding experiences. He cultivated many relationships that remained strong throughout his life.
Funeral services for Doug will be held Thursday, February 8, 2024, at the Gold Canyon Ward Building of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (2520 E. Old West Hwy, Apache Junction, AZ). The viewing will be held at 9 am with the funeral service to follow at 10 am. The service will be available to stream online https://zoom.us/j/97101646533?pwd=djdodDl6aFBpaFBXenUwTC93WWZtUT09here
Arrangements by Bunker’s University Chapel, www.bunkerfuneral.com. Should this obituary appear anywhere but bunkerfuneral.com, please check our website for accurate details and service information.
What an amazing legacy. Praying for peace and comfort until the next reunion!!
Bro. DeHaan was a man of great focus, spiritual strength, and unwavering faith. He saw the bigger picture in all things, whether that be as a leader, a father, husband, or in his purpose and mission in life. He was a great man, he is a great man, and we will miss him but for a season. Bro. DeHaan – Until that great reunion, we will be forever grateful for all you have taught us.
My sweet thoughts and deepest love for a man who had a tremendous spiritual impact in my ĺife. I know that his Heavenly Father is greeting him with love and I am grateful for the love he extended to me here upon this earth. May his eternal companion and wife be comforted now.
On behalf of Marvin and Shirley Smith and family we want to do extend our love and prayers to the DeHaan family at this difficult time. I had the privilege of being to seminary by sister DeHaan she was an amazing teacher, and made every lesson interesting. I pray that the family will feel comfort, knowing that so many people were blessed from the love that they showed each and everyone of us.
Doug was a good man and his and Barbara’s marriage has been a beautiful example of all that is good. My condolences to the family for his passing, but with them I rejoice for the welcome that must have been his. May you each find peace and comfort in this time of separation and reflection. For the family who aren’t familiar with me, I am Barbara’s cousin, Meda Ann, through her mother’s sister Lois O’Brien.
Barbara and family; I learned just yesterday about Doug’s passing when I received a notice from my daughter Heidi. I live only a few miles from you in Gilbert and would have come to pay tribute to you and your family had I known in time. I have thought often about your family and our time together in Portland. We loved the DeHaan Family. Please accept my condolences and know of my love and admiration for you and Doug. That was a great time in my life. Wes Turner
Dear Dehaan Family,
I write this with great sadness knowing you have had to go through two losses. I am deeply sorry.
President Dehaan was a good person and leader. Rachelle death comes as a deep surprise. Although after high school her and I lost touch of each other, her and I were good friends and had some wonderful times together at Girls Camp, Dances, Girls Sports and talking on the phone of our coming plans for the weekend. She was so kind, excepting, fun, had the most beautiful smile. Although she was small she had a big heart. God Bless Your Whole Family during this time of grief and loss.
I hope and pray your all doing well.
Love Always,
Tammy Boyd’ Bradley
President DeHaan,
What a treasure my years in the FJM, best mission ever! Thank you for your counsel and guidance.