Douglas John Widen

Douglas John Widen, 70, of Cedar Falls, passed away unexpectedly after a long, brave battle with cancer at MercyOne/Sartori Hospital of Cedar Falls on Wednesday, February 28, 2024.  He was born October 5, 1953, in Algona, Iowa, son of Charles and Doris (Weiland) Widen.  Doug graduated from Corwith-Wesley High School with the Class of 1972 where he had been active in athletics, speech, drama, 4-H and finding a little trouble.  He briefly attended North Iowa Area Community College and worked, initially, for the City of Corwith part-time with their police department.  On August 31, 1974, Doug married LuAnn West, his high school sweetheart, at St. Joseph Catholic Church of Wesley.  He attended Iowa Law Enforcement Academy, graduating in 1977.  In 1982, Doug and LuAnn moved their growing family to Cedar Falls where he began a 33-year career/calling with the University of Northern Iowa Public Safety Police Division.  He loved his job and the students, faculty and staff he helped to protect and serve! After retiring in November of 2015, Doug became a Volunteer for UnityPoint Health/Allen Memorial Hospital helping to transport patients with great care and a little quirky humor wherever they needed to go up until he, himself, became the patient.

Doug was preceded in death by his parents; his brother, Dennis; and beloved granddaughter, Savannah.  He is survived by his wife and partner in life, LuAnn; 9 children: Corinne (Joel) Elscott of Altoona, Curt (Jaime Clay) of Cedar Falls, Carolyn (Adam) Standiford of Missouri, Charles (Chantal Craft) of Dike, Cindy (Nathan) Colbert of Arizona, Cathleen (Evan) Reglein of Waterloo, Cally Widen of Cedar Falls, Keaton (Aliyah Dorn) of Cedar Falls and Kadin of Waterloo; 22 grandchildren; 4 brothers: Dean and family of Waterloo, Duane (Cathy) and family of Cedar Falls, Dwight (Roberta) and family of Altoona, Dan (Laurie) and Family of Tennessee; and many cousins and dear friends.

Doug's Memorial Mass will be at 10:00 am on Thursday, March 7, 2024, at St. Patrick Catholic Church of Cedar Falls with Visitation one hour prior to the Service.  Burial to follow at Fairview Cemetery of Cedar Falls.  In lieu of flowers, Memorials may be directed to Doug's family for future designation.

Doug had a very positive outlook on life, always assuring his family that the sun will come up tomorrow (whether you want it to or not).  He knew people everywhere he went and could always find room for a new friend.  Doug's faith was deep and central to his life.  He believed in forgiveness and looked for the very best in people.  Doug was active in the lives of all of his children ever present at their many activities as well as life's celebrations and challenges.  He will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.