Douglas Wildfoerster
April 2, 1925 - June 15, 2016
After a very long and busy life, Douglas Wildfoerster died in Salt Lake City on Wednesday, June 15, 2016, at the age of 91.
Doug was born in Mount Kisco, New York, in 1925. When he was in high school he wanted to be a musician but his plans changed with the outbreak of World War II. Doug was just two months out of high school and only 17 years old when, in August of 1942, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy. He was trained as a Radioman and in January of 1943 he was assigned to a destroyer, the USS Kendrick. He served on the Kendrick until June of 1945. During his years in the Navy he developed a taste for travel that lasted his entire life. He passed through the Panama Canal, spent a Christmas day in the Caribbean Sea, and sailed to Casablanca, Newfoundland, Argentina, Algeria, Sicily and many other places. His ship was torpedoed off Salerno, Italy, but was able to make it into the port of Oran for repairs. Doug was always very proud of his service in the Navy.
After the war ended Doug was briefly stationed at the Bremerton Naval Shipyard near Seattle where he met Jean Thompson, a Montanan who was attending the University of Washington. They got married in March of 1946 and were together for the next 70 years.
After his discharge from the Navy Doug worked as a cameraman for the DuMont television network in New York and later spent most of his working life as a salesman or manager for TV and radio stations in Montana, California and Utah. At the time of his retirement he was working for KALL radio in Salt Lake City.
After he retired Doug and Jean hung up a map of the US in their house and proceeded to see how much of that map they could fill in with roads taken and places seen. They pretty much covered the country and even got in a trip to Germany.
Doug is survived by his wife, Jean; three children: Doug (Vonnie) Wildfoerster, Karen Wildfoerster and Lynn (Kegan) Morrison; four grandchildren: Britt Wright, Carly Wildfoerster and Taylor and Sophie Morrison; and two great-grandchildren: Connor and Carson Wright.
There will be a wake for Doug on Wednesday, June 22, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Starks Funeral Parlor, 3651 South 900 East in Salt Lake City.
In Loving Memory
Sad to learn of Doug's passing. An Old KALL Radio Buddy emailed Doug's Obit. It's been a long time since those glorious radio days at KALL. But the memories are as fresh as if it were yesterday. Doug and I were lucky to have shared the rarified air in those KALL Studios as we worked alongside an amazingly talented and creative group of crazies. Doug was an exceptional man and it was an honor to call him my friend. I often traveled with Doug and Bennie on business. Holy Mole '— did we have fun. Thoughts of Doug now bring a big happy smile. I cherish his memory and celebrate his wonderful life. Much love and support to Jean and the family — Paul and Nancy Engman
Paul Engman
San Diego, CA
Doug was a special man in the broadcast business and personally and it's an honor to have him as a friend. The days at KALL/IMN were an exceptional time with a cast of people only found in a story book--best times ever! We all will miss you Doug.
Fred Scott
Salt Lake City, Ut
Our thoughts and prayers are with you Jeanie and the family on the loss of Doug. Mike and I shared many special times with the both of you and will always be held in our hearts in a very special place. All our Love to you!!!
Fred & Mike Schmauch
Salt Lake City, ut
We are so saddened by Doug's passing! Remembering all the great times we spent with he and Jean. We were so fortunate to know him.
Susan and Rob Andrus
Riverton, UT