Doug Gossard

A celebration of life service for Doug Gossard was held on Monday, July 31, 2023, at 11:00 a.m. at the Colome American Legion in Colome, SD. Burial will be held at a later date. Mason Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements. Doug was born in Winner, SD, on May 27, 1955, to Kenneth and Lila Gossard. He was later joined by two siblings, Wes and Kena. Doug grew up on the family farm south of Colome. He attended and graduated from Colome High School in 1974. Doug often spoke fondly of his memories of playing football in those days. Upon graduating, he hauled many loads of gravel while also working alongside his dad on the farm. Doug had a sharp mind when it came to livestock and spent much of his time watching rodeos or attending sales when he could.

On June 12, 1982, Doug married Jan (Cahoy) Vaughn. With this marriage, he inherited little Mel. The family lived in the Colome area until 1988 when they moved to Davenport, IA. A short time later, they moved to Cherry, IL, where Doug continued his work as a truck driver for Double D Express for the next six years. During this time, Doug spent many hours with his cousin Merle and countless laughs, memories, and stories were shared.

In 1994, Doug moved his family back to South Dakota roots, once again living on the family farm. While living on the farm in 1998, his grandson was born. So many adventures took place between the two. These included fishing trips, an attack by a turkey in the middle of a field, and protecting his grandson from a snake with a cattle prod.

In 2002, Doug and Jan moved to Winner. After spending some time flying planes in Washington with his brother Wes, Doug began his 20-year career at the Winner City Jail. During these 20 years, he made many friends. Those friends became family.

Doug had many titles: son, brother, husband, dad, grandpa, friend, and neighbor. His skills as a comedian and at playing the guitar by ear were well known. His comedic nature will be cherished through videos that he recorded years ago that his family will never forget. Doug wasn’t just a jokester though; he had a unique ability to make people feel understood.

Doug Gossard, age 68, of Winner, SD, passed away on Tuesday, July 25, 2023, at the Sanford USD Medical Center in Sioux Falls, SD.

Doug was preceded in death by his parents Kenneth and Lila and inlaws Donald Cahoy and Marlene Cahoy.

He is survived by his wife, Jan; children Cody and Melony Bertram; grandchildren Trevor Bertram and Tatum Olson; brother Wes (Cindy) Gossard, sister Kena (Tony) Bolton; brothers-in-law Gene (Deb) Cahoy, Dave (Candy) Cahoy, and Rick (Lisa) Cahoy; sister-in-law Donelle Eby; along with numerous nieces and nephews.