Douglas Wayne Hohenstein, Age: 66
Send Flowers
Sep 09, 1953---Sep 07, 2020

Beloved husband, father, grandfather, and brother, Douglas Wayne Hohenstein, 66, of Lenexa, Kansas passed away on September 7th, 2020, at his home after a brief but brave fight against cancer.  He was born September 9th, 1953, in Lincoln, Nebraska, to William and Lillian Hohenstein.  While Doug’s life was too short, it was a rich life filled with love, adventure, and a sense of purpose. 

Doug spent his early years in Lincoln before moving with his family to their farm near Homer, Nebraska.  He graduated from Homer High School in 1971.  Doug earned a Bachelor Science degree in 1976 and a Masters of Business degree in 1986 from the University of Nebraska.  Doug married Vicki Stene on August 17, 1974, and they lived in Omaha until 2006 when they moved to Kansas City.  Doug had a fulfilling 40-year career in the vaccine production industry, where he was a manager with Pfizer in Lincoln and Site Director of Merck Animal Health in DeSoto.    

Doug was a devoted husband and a true partner to Vicki for 46 years.  As a father, he contributed unlimited energy and attention to guiding and supporting his two children, and he was an example of resourcefulness and resilience to them.  Doug loved being a Grandpa, and all four grandkids knew that Grandpa was always up for fun and mischief.  They had his full attention, and they knew it.                  

Doug was a collector of memories and experiences.  He loved to travel, he loved music, was a perennial gardener, a nature photographer, a dog lover, and a person who always had a project.  He enjoyed all sports, especially hockey, and was a lifelong fan of the Boston Bruins. 

Left to cherish his memory are his wife, Vicki; his son, Andrew and grandchildren Madelyn and William of Omaha; his daughter, Anna (Trevor) Shepperd and grandsons Samuel and Louis of Denver; and his brothers, William (Suzie) Hohenstein of Michigan and James (Jill) Hohenstein of Omaha.  Doug is also survived by numerous nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews.  Doug was preceded in death by his parents, William and Lillian (Hunt) Hohenstein and his dear sister, Sarah (Jack) Mertes.

A private service was held for the family.  A celebration of Doug’s life will be held at a later date. 

In lieu of flowers or other gifts, the family suggests a donation to ReDiscover, Boys & Girls Club of Greater KC or a charity of your choice.            


Condolences

Barbara Stene Sep 09, 2020

Nephew-in-law ,Oak Park Heights ,Minnesota

I enjoyed so much visiting with Doug. I'm going to miss him. Aunt Barbara

F.J. Shade Sep 09, 2020

Business relationship ,Omaha ,Nebraska

My condolences to Doug's entire family. Sorry to hear about Doug's passing.

Denise Teel-McCully Sep 09, 2020

Coworker ,Omaha ,Nebraska

Worked with Doug at Dellen Labs. Doug was always up for fun and good times. Prayers for your family. Denise Teel-McCully

Nikki Prosser Sep 09, 2020

Niece ,Sergeant Bluff ,Iowa

Obituary says it all...what a GREAT man Uncle Doug was...will sure be missed.

Alethea Fry Sep 09, 2020

Work ,Ankeny ,Iowa

I have such good memories of working with Doug at BioCor. He marched to the beat of his own drum and made every day fun... unless you were his manager.

Jim & Jill Hohenstein, Brandon, Dylan and Morgan Timperley Sep 09, 2020

Brother, Sister-in-law and family ,Omaha ,Nebraska

Dear Doug, Jill and I and our family hope you're having a Birthday toast with the angels tonight on your special day as we send our toast to you. "Rest-in-peace little brother and save us a place at the table. We'll all join you soon enough, to once again celebrate together." Love you and miss you, Jim & Jill, Brandon, Morgan & Dylan.

Bryan Hohenstein Sep 09, 2020

Nephew ,Omaha ,Nebraska

We love and miss you Doug. Thank you for being the Uncle that made us go out and play snow football games. I always loved your energy and your positive spirit. Thank you for being an important influence in my life!

Martin V Hohenstein Sep 09, 2020

1st cousin ,Dakota City ,Nebraska

I'm so sorry for your loss. I have good memories of Doug many years ago at cottonwood flats. My thoughts and prayers are with his family and those who loved him.

Marsha Werning Sep 10, 2020

Friend ,Leawood ,Kansas

My heart is broken for all of you to learn of this news. Vicki, I am here to help in any way possible. My thoughts and prayers are with you all, and my sincere sympathy for you beloved family member.

JoAnn Callaway Sep 10, 2020

Friend ,Lenexa ,Kansas

He was the best manager anyone could ask for. He was a teacher, a friend, a mentor. I will be forever in debt to him. I will miss you. Love you the family. JoAnn

Joyce Armor Sep 10, 2020

Trevor Shepherd’s aunt ,Mentor

My condolences and big hugs. His legacy lives on in his way-cool children and grandchildren, and in all your wonderful memories.

Mandy Remus Sep 10, 2020

Colleague/Friend ,Lenexa ,Kansas

Dear Hohenstein Family, My condolences on your loss. Doug was an amazing person. His dry sense of humor always sending me into a fit of laughter and his kindness and willingness to teach ever present. He welcomed me with open arms when I came to Merck and I enjoyed our random chats over the years. My prayers are with you. t I am one of the many, many people that knows I'm a better person for having known Doug. May we all be more like him.

Wayne Katt Sep 10, 2020

Coworker ,Lenexa ,Kansas

Had many good years working with Doug and enjoyed his company. He'll be greatly missed.

Bill & Jody Rohde Sep 10, 2020

Lifelong friends ,Homer ,Nebraska

Vicki and family - We are shocked and saddened by this news. We are so glad to have had our time together at supper to reconnect. We will always remember that time fondly. Please know you all are in our thoughts and prayers. God be with you. Bill & Jody

Julie Blichmann Sep 10, 2020

Co-worker ,Oskaloosa ,Kansas

I had the pleasure of knowing Doug, working for him at Intervet/Schering-Plough/Merck. He had a wonderful personality, that made me feel like more than "just an employee". I was saddened to hear of his sudden passing, and hope that his family finds comfort in memories shared.

Steven Ellsworth Sep 10, 2020

Co-worker ,Lawrence ,Kansas

Really sad that we will not have the opportunity to see Doug again. And although the memories are too few, they are good ones, and were always enjoyable in their making. Rest in peace, friend.

Diane Stenerson Sep 10, 2020

Vicki’s cousin ,Rothsay ,Minnesota

My deepest sympathy to all of Doug’s family! We had such fun when we were able to be together! Cherished memories! Hugs to you all for your loss.

Diane Sep 10, 2020

Vicki's cousin ,Rothsay ,Minnesota

I am so very sorry for your loss! What a great guy! Hugs to you,Vicki and family!

Nancy Massa Sep 11, 2020

Colleague ,Montreal, QC Canada

I had the pleasure of knowing Doug for the last 12 years and he was always the most incredible host when I visited Desoto. Despite Doug always trash talking my Habs for his beloved Bruins I will miss the banter every playoff season. I think he still owes me $20? Please know that you are in my thoughts and prayers. My deepest condolences to the Hoheinstein family, RIP.

Diane Stenerson Sep 11, 2020

Vicki’s cousin ,Rothsay ,Minnesota

I am so very, very sorry for your loss! Doug was so much fun, and I know you will miss him very much. Love always, Diane

Diane Stenerson Sep 11, 2020

Vicki’s cousin ,Rothsay ,Minnesota

I am so very, very sorry for your loss! Doug was so much fun, and I know you will miss him very much. Love always, Diane

Jeff Hornsby Sep 11, 2020

friend ,Kansas City ,Missouri

Vicki, Peg and I are so sorry for your loss. You and your family are in our prayers. God Bless

Catherine Mertes Sep 12, 2020

Niece ,Manchester ,New Hampshire

Dear Vicki and family, I am so sorry for your loss. I will always remember how much time Chris and I spent with you two, and all the support you provided me in my younger years. Uncle Doug was my favorite, always fun and mischievous. His time was too short. I will keep you all my thoughts and prayers. Catherine Mertes

Jerry and Gina Lauritsen Sep 13, 2020

Friend and High School classmate ,Omaha ,Nebraska

Our prayers goes out to Vicky and the rest of the family, Doug was definitely the athlete of our class of 71.

Pam Harrington Sep 13, 2020

Omaha friend

Vicki, so very sorry. From your years in Omaha, remember your happiness as a young family. Prayers to you, your children and grandchildren.

Jean Pigg Peters Sep 13, 2020

Friend ,Spirit Lake, Iowa

Vicki and family, how shocked I was to read of Doug’s death. I’m so very sorry. A few years ago when Kristal told me she and Anna were good friends, it was so surprising to know that our Homer roots had emerged in Denver. I send you love and light. Jeannie

Christine Mertes -Vidal Sep 13, 2020

Niece ,Lincoln ,Nebraska

It hurt my heart to hear of your passing and you will be missed. You were my favorite uncle and were always there to lend a hand or a shoulder, you always gave me good advice. You were always a good and giving person. Goodbye

Fred and Wanda Gay Sep 13, 2020

Friend ,Lincoln ,Nebraska

Wanda and I were saddened to hear of Dougs passing. Prayers to Vicky and family. Best Homer QB ever.

Janelle Lb Sep 14, 2020

Friend and classmate ,Lincoln ,Nebraska

Dear Vicki—Dave and I we’re both so shocked and sad to hear of Doug’s passing. Please know that you and your entire family are in our thoughts and prayers as you move through this most difficult journey. Although we haven’t seen you in a long time, the memories of time together in the past will always be in our hearts. Doug was a good friend to many and certainly won the hearts of everyone (but especially you!) when he came to Homer. May God grant you the strength and faith to carry on. Dave and Janelle

Osuniga family Sep 14, 2020

Friend ,Omaha ,Nebraska

So shocked and saddened to hear about Doug’s passing. We still talk about the epic 4th of July shenanigans in the neighborhood. Our thoughts and prayers to all of you.

Scott & Pam Gass Sep 15, 2020

Vicki, Andrew and Anna, we are so very sad to learn of Doug’s passing. Please know that we are praying for all of you and hope difficult moments are overcome by the wonderful memories Doug provided each of you. He was a wonderful man and his passing will certainly leave a large void in many people’s lives, especially you and you family’s. Respectfully, Pam and Scott

Melissa Snider Sep 15, 2020

Merck ,Berryton ,Kansas

I had 8 good years working under Doug. The one thing I respected the most was how relatable he was as a site director. If he asked his people to work a weekend, he was there with donuts or pizza. He appreciated the Hard work we put in. He was also an amazing mentor. If you had problems or goals to achieve his office was always open to discuss and figure out the next move. And Doug was ALWAYS good for a laugh! His best quality in my opinion was his sense of humor. I will miss that grin and giggle..it was a dead give away that he was up to no good! Doug became a good friend to me over the years and I can’t imagine this world without him! Please accept my dearest condolences to the Hohenstein family. I know your hearts are broken because I and many others share your pain. ❤️

Jo Kruse Wical Sep 18, 2020

Friend ,Grundy Center ,Iowa

Dear Vicki, It breaks my heart to learn of Doug’s passing. Seems like just yesterday you two were the cutest couple in high school.... the ball player and the cheerleader. May your many many years of happiness fill you with laughter and comfort. Thinking of you with fond memories and love. (((💗))) Jo

Edwin (Wes) Hohenstein Oct 21, 2020

Older Cousin ,Sioux City ,Iowa

Dear Vicki and Family, Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you in the loss of Doug. We are so sorry to hear of his passing. May God give you comfort and wonderful memories of him. Doug was such a kind, gentle, and generous person and a blessing to many whose lives he touched. He will be greatly missed by all! With Deepest Sympathy, Wes & Karlene Hohenstein

John Bills Mar 31, 2021

childhood friend ,Lincoln ,Nebraska

I have nothing but fond memories of Doug from our days playing together in the 60's. He was the best athlete in the neighborhood and always up to something. The gang hated to see him go to the farm after ninth grade. I am so sorry for your loss.