Douglas Lyle Dempster, son of Sumner and Thelma (Luckinbill) Dempster, was born on December 24, 1936, in Brookings, South Dakota. He attended and graduated Brookings High School in 1954. He enlisted in the United States Navy, where he served as a Hospital Corpsman. Upon his honorable discharge, he enrolled at South Dakota State University, where he earned his degree as a Registered Pharmacist. During his college days, Douglas was united in marriage to Carol (Tschetter) on June 26, 1959. Upon completing school, they moved to Blue Earth, Minnesota where he was employed at Kohler Pharmacy. The family then moved to Lakefield, where they made their forever home. They were blessed with 5 children: Kim, Michael, Lisa, Elizabeth and Daniel. While living in Lakefield, Douglas was employed by Costello Pharmacy, co-owned and operated The Prescription Shoppe and owned and operated Dempster's Pharmacy in Heron Lake. Upon retiring he continued to work for Sterling Drug, in Worthington as needed. On Sunday, January 7, 2024, Douglas was joined with his Lord and Savior at the age of 87 years and 14 days.

As a youth he became an Eagle Scout and enjoyed hunting, fishing, and spending as much time outdoors as possible. He was also always tinkering with things and taught himself how to repair watches, razors and numerous other things, in addition to obtaining his pilot's license. He also was noted for formulating his own Dempster's Baby Bottom Formula and Dempster's Gnat Knocker. He was always willing to return to work, after hours, to fill a needed prescription so that needed medications could be received. He also collected cast iron pans and feeding his squirrels and birds. He had them eating peanut butter off a spoon. Toward his later years he enjoyed gardening, campfires, listening to music and occasionally lighting a few fireworks. Douglas was a loving and caring dad that enjoyed the company of his family.

Douglas is survived by his children; Kim (Timothy) Douglass of Granite Falls, Michael (Linda) Dempster of Lakefield, Lisa Koster of Lakefield, Elizabeth (Darren Rue) Cholick of Lakefield, and Pastor Dan (Ann) Dempster of Mankato; grandchildren and great grandchildren; Michael Jay (Allison) Owen and William Douglass. Thomas (Tanya Runholt) Douglass, Joseph (Kyrie') Frances and Ruth Douglass, Laura (Todd) Post, Marcus (Lisa) Post, Mason Post. Jamie (Landon) Cali Cranston and Tanner Pigman, Clay Cranston, Travis (Leah) Raeanna and Grady Rossow, Lindsey (Shane) Hailey and Austin Drewes, Jordan Cholick, DJ Rue, Cassandra (Joe) Jocelyn and Arianna Janzen, and Lyle Dempster; Sister Janet (Hugh) Randall, Sisters in law Bernice Weaver, Judy (Terry) Coonfield and Brother in law Henry Hannemann; along with numerous extended family and friends.

Douglas was preceded in death by spouse Carol, his parents and his wife's parents.

Blessed be the memory of Douglas Lyle Dempster

A Celebration of Life Service for Douglas "Doug" Dempster, age 87, of Lakefield, will be held Tuesday, January 16, 2024, at 10:30 AM at the First United Methodist Church in Lakefield, Minnesota, with Pastor Russ Steele officiating. Burial will be in the Lakefield City Cemetery in Lakefield, Minnesota.

A time of visitation and gathering will be held one hour prior to the service, from 9:30 – 10:30 AM, at the First United Methodist Church in Lakefield.