Douglas James Stillwell

Douglas Stillwell, age 98, of Elk River, Minnesota, passed away peacefully in his sleep on March 30, 2025, in Hudson, Wisconsin, just four days shy of his 99th birthday.

Douglas was born on April 3, 1926, in Pipestone, Minnesota, to Arthur and Gertrude (Van Stelten) Stillwell. He graduated from Pipestone High School and proudly served in the U.S. Army Air Corps during World War II. After the war, he attended St. Olaf College in Northfield, Minnesota.

Douglas dedicated his life to education, beginning his career as a biology teacher and later serving as a guidance counselor. He taught in Kasson, Minnesota, before settling in Elk River, where he spent over 30 years in the school district. Elk River remained his true home for most of his adult life.

He is survived by his loving wife of 40 years, JoAnn Stillwell, and his children: Ann (David) of Fort Collins, CO; Laura (John) of Centreville, MD; Kari (Marc) of Folsom, CA; Nancy (Chris) of Madison, WI; Kevin (Lisa); Kent (Jill) of Hudson, WI; and Kristin (Jesse) of Erhard, MN.

Services will be at a later date.

He was a proud grandfather to: Riley, Hannah, Miranda, Marlin, Mallory, Anna, Emma, Michael, Anthony, Paul, Jacob (Nina), Annika, Aiden, Chloe, and Logen.

Douglas was preceded in death by his first wife, Connie (née Reigstad) Stillwell.

The family would like to extend heartfelt thanks to the staff at Christian Communities Home and Comfort of Home facilities in Hudson for their compassionate care in his final years.

Service entrusted to O’Connell Family Funeral Home of Hudson