Doug Raveling

Sibley, IA

Doug Raveling, age 74 of Sibley, IA passed away peacefully with his family by his side on November 9, 2023 at Sunset Hospice Cottage in Worthington, MN. 

Douglas Jay Raveling was born June 11, 1949 in Sheldon, IA to Lloyd “Rip” and Betty Huck Raveling. He grew up on a farm near Melvin, IA with brothers, Mark & Bruce.

In 1967 Doug graduated from Melvin High School while also attending the Auto Mechanics program in Sheldon through the NW Iowa Vocational School. 

It was during this time that Doug & Dianne met at the county fair. They enjoyed double dating with friends, going to dances at the Roof Garden in Arnolds Park & going to drive-in movies.  Later they enjoyed 52 plus years together.

After graduation Doug worked for Arnie Stradinger in the farm fertilizer business. 

In 1968 Doug enlisted in the United States Navy & in June left for boot camp in San Diego, followed by schooling at Great Lakes Navy Base, IL & San Francisco. From May 1969 to June 1970 Doug was on base at Ben Luc, Vietnam.  After returning state side Doug was stationed on the USS Point Defiance LSD-31, a dock landing ship in Long Beach, CA. 

On May 22, 1971 Doug was united in marriage to Dianne Monier in Sibley, Iowa. Dianne joined Doug in Long Beach, CA where they lived until he was honorably discharged in 1972. Since then they have made their home in Cloverdale most of their married life where they raised their children; Jay, Heather & Michael. They enjoyed taking care of their yard, remodeling their home, shopping for plants & taking drives on the back roads. Country life has suited them just fine. 

Becoming grandparents was their biggest blessing. Doug will be missed by his family & 4 very special grandchildren who call him “Papa”; Arie, Isaiah, Connor & Kallie. Attending the grandchildren’s activities was top priority. Doug & Dianne enjoyed making their yard a playground for the grandchildren with many swings, tree house & activities. 

Doug was employed over the years by Juber Implement in Melvin, Cloverdale Elevator & later Farmers Elevator of Sibley. Doug also enjoyed farming his Grandma Huck’s farm near Melvin for a number of years. 

In 1997 Doug became Installation Coordinator for Oakland Corporation of Story City, IA, working with their computer book keeping system. This is a job that Doug loved & has never wanted to retire from. No matter what day of the week a customer called he always answered his phone to help them. 

Doug was “Mr. Fix-it” & was always fixing something, from cars & house projects, he would try to fix anything that needed fixed. He enjoyed feeding birds & watching eagles & hawks, going to car shows, talking about cars & anything mechanical.  Doug spent many hours improving & enjoying his fish pond. Mowing the lawn, vacuuming leaves & blowing snow were top on his list of things he liked to do.

Doug & Dianne enjoyed spending time with many neighbor children over the years. It was always so special when they would come over to play or help Doug put the fish back in the pond in the Spring. 

Doug was a proud member of the American Legion Guthrie Post 470. He was often seen wearing one of his military caps & people who noticed would stop & shake his hand & visit with him about his military service.  

Doug is survived by his wife Dianne, their children; Jay, Heather & her sons Arie & Isaiah, Michael & his wife Bridget & their children, Connor & Kallie.
Brothers, Mark Raveling, Bruce Raveling & his wife Lori. Several nieces & nephews, mother in law, Joyce Monier, brothers & sisters in law & several cousins. 

He was preceded in death by his grandparents, parents & a nephew Travis Raveling & father in law, Dayton Monier. 

Burial will take place at a later date.

Memorials in Douglas' name may be directed to:
Sunset Hospice Cottage-Worthington
P.O. Box 203
Worthington, MN 56187