Address
Locke on 4th
1519 W 4th St.
Waterloo, IA 50702
Douglas E. “Doug” Sturch, 63, of Waterloo, passed away surrounded by family on Monday, May 25, 2026 at La Porte City Specialty Care. He was born on January 9, 1963 in Oelwein, the son of Ronald and Aline (Grove) Sturch. He was a lifetime member of Waterloo First United Methodist Church.
Doug graduated from River Hills School in Cedar Falls. He worked a variety of different places and “retired” from McDonalds on Main Street in Cedar Falls. Doug was involved with EPI (Exceptional Persons of Iowa) and North Star Community Services. He enjoyed participating in many North Star theatrical productions throughout the years.
Doug loved all sports. He could be found cheering on the Panthers, Waterloo Black Hawks Hockey, Waterloo Bucks Baseball, West High School Wahawks, or watching the Chicago Cubs, Minnesota Vikings, and WWE on TV. He had a joy for bowling, coloring, Wizard of Oz, King Kong, parades, dancing, UNO, lake time with family, and anything his nieces and nephews were doing.
Doug was a special guy with a heart of gold. He touched many lives and loved to talk to everyone. He knew no strangers and was always ready for a handshake, hug and a kiss!!! His spirit was infectious and would make everyone around him smile. Doug loved food. His favorite meal was a cheeseburger, french fries, and a chocolate shake, and a daily Diet Pepsi was a must!
Left to cherish Doug’s memory is his mother, Aline; two brothers, Dean (Shelly) Sturch and David (Missie) Sturch’ all of Waterloo; two nieces, Samantha (Kevin) Schmidtke and Bridget Sturch; two nephews, Dawson Sturch and Landon Sturch; great-niece, Grace Schmidtke; aunts, uncles, cousins and an infinite circle of friends.
Douglas will be embraced by his father, Ron, in Heaven.
The family would like to acknowledge and express sincere gratitude for the incredible care and compassion provided to Doug during the final years of his life by the staff at La Porte City Specialty Care and Cedar Valley Hospice.
Memorial Visitation: 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM Friday, May 29, 2026 at Locke at Tower Park, Waterloo.
Memorial Service: 10:30 AM on Saturday, May 30, 2026 at Locke at Tower Park, Waterloo.
Family Inurnment: Waterloo Cemetery, Waterloo.
Memorials may be directed to Cedar Valley Hospice and North Star Community Services.
Locke at Tower Park is in charge of arrangements. Condolences may be left at www.LockeFuneralServices.com
Visitation
May 29, 2026
4:00 pm – 7:00 pm
Locke at Tower Park
4140 Kimball Ave., Waterloo, IA
Celebration of Life
May 30, 2026
10:30 am – 11:30 am
Locke at Tower Park
4140 Kimball Ave., Waterloo, IA
I am so sorry to hear of Doug’s passing. I know how much he ment to your whole family. I remember when he was born and Aline taking him for walks in the stroller that spring.
So sorry to hear of his passing I’m sure my mom and Arlene would love to talk about this this mirrors my brother-in-law, Tim Olsson, so much no manners mannerisms just existing joy to be around always telling a joke. I wanna pass on our sincere condolences.
All of Dougs Family have my deepest sympathies. Doug was a very sweet and loving man. Georgia will greet him with open arms. Prayers to you all for strength during this very difficult time🙏❤️💛💙
Aline&family
Just now saw announcement of Doug’s passing. Can’t begin to express my condolences& at same time have SO many fond, funny memories!! Again, deepest condolences. Gean Lord
(I graduated high school with Missy). I’ve always enjoyed stories and Doug that Missie posted. I’m glad to have “known” him. May Doug’s memory be forever for a blessing. My heart goes out to all who love him.
Aline and family, we are so sorry to hear of Doug’s passing! We lived 2 doors down from you on Ridgeway for many years! Through those years, Doug brought many smiles to my face! I remember he loved to help me fill my gas tank at Lind Bros! Always loved so many interesting stories! He brought joy to all! Peace to all.
Aline and family, we are so sorry to hear of Doug’s passing! We lived 2 doors down from you on Ridgeway for many years! Through those years, Doug brought many smiles to my face! I remember he loved to help me fill my gas tank at Lind Bros! Always loved so many interesting stories! He brought joy to all! Peace to all.
Aline and family, we are so sorry to hear of Dougie’s passing! We lived 2 doors down from you on Ridgeway for many years! Through those years, Doug brought many smiles to my face! I remember he loved to help me fill my gas tank at Lind Bros! Always loved so many interesting stories! He brought joy to all! Peace to all.
That video! Wow! Doug was such a bright spot in this world. Always making people smile. I am a better human for having Doug in my life. Hugs to you all. Love you.
-Tent
So very sorry for the loss of your loved one, Sturch Family. May the memories of good times together bring you peace.
Doug is a cherished person in my life! He showed me, and others, numerous ways to enjoy each day. Seeing him at church Christmas Eve Service was a highlight during my holiday travels. When we encounter a lemon of a day, Doug turned it to lemonade. His infectious smile and kindness will forever be in my heart. 💜
Bill (aka “Trouble”) and I always loved to see Doug and visit with him at church on Sundays. His smile could brighten a room! He was loved by so many and will truly be missed. Our sympathies are with you all as you mourn the loss of this special soul!
So sorry to hear, Dean really had a special connection with dougie and thought very highly of him
Mrs. Sturch, Dean, and the entire Sturch Family. I was so sad to learn of Doug’s passing. He has held a very special place in my heart for so many decades now. I always felt blessed to have known, Doug and the Sturch family, and remember so fondly the years, back in the day, that I got to “hang out” with all of you, but Doug was one of a kind! I truly believe knowing him made me a better person. My thoughts, prayers and love to all of you.
Number one Waterloo Blackhawks and Cubs fan will be missed dearly. Prayers to the Sturch family. Rest in peace Doug.
I just happened across this today and was so saddened to see about Doug’s passing and to see that I missed the services. I have such fond childhood memories of my time with the Sturch boys while staying with Grandma Donna next door, climbing the apple tree and just being kids. My sincerest sympathies to Aline, Dean and David and families. May he rest in peace.