Douglas M. “Doug” Brewer, 69, died on November 20, 2021, at his home in Newton, Kansas.
He was born on September 22, 1952, in El Dorado, Kansas, the oldest of three children of Loyd and Louella (Schmidt) Brewer. He graduated from Peabody High School in 1971. He was a member of the Zion Mennonite Church in Elbing, Kansas.
Doug started at Hesston Corporation in 1973, starting in the machine shop and later moving to engineering as a field test technician. For five years Doug traveled across the United States in field test, then went to the test lab for 30 years.
On August 15, 1982, Doug was united in marriage to Margaret Steffy in East Petersburg, Pennsylvania. Following his marriage, he stopped traveling for work. But the travel bug had bitten him and continued traveling with Margaret, his kids, friends, and relatives. He went to Australia, New Zealand, Germany, England, Nova Scotia, as well as all 50 states.
Doug’s greatest trip was in 2014. He traveled to Israel with Tour Imagination and he was thrilled to be walking where Jesus had walked.
Doug was diagnosed with multiple myeloma in May of 2010. He continued traveling while taking chemo. He would plan trips, cancel trips, and plan some more.
Doug is survived by his loving wife of 39 years, Margaret; two children, Ashley (Brian) Wilson and Wesley (Bonnie) Brewer; five grandchildren, Rhett and Kallen Wilson, Donovan, Gracia, and Jeremiah Brewer; two sisters, Kathryn (Charles) Fisher and Dianna Bradford; three nieces, Ruth Fisher, Rebekah Mallya and Rachel Nyaga; and Marvin (Nicole) Rice II, a son of his heart.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Loyd and Louella Brewer.
A memorial service will be at 11:00 a.m., Thursday, December 2, 2021, at Grace Hill Mennonite Church in Rural Whitewater, The service will be hosted and conducted by the Zion Mennonite Church of Elbing with Pastors Ray Reimer and Karen Andres presiding. Mask are encouraged during the service please. A graveside service will take place prior to the memorial at 9:30 a.m., at Whitewater Center Cemetery in rural Burns, Kansas. Visitation will be 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. Wednesday December 1, 2021 with family receiving friends from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Petersen Funeral Home.
Memorials may be made to Cancer Center of Kansas or Mennonite Central Committee in care of Petersen Funeral Home
Doug was a great inspiration to us all at Hesston Men Bible study. May God be with you all through out this time.
RIP Doug…
You will be missed…I wish I would of spent more time talking to you…
Great neighbor and friend!
Doug was a great friend and co-worker. Prayers for Margaret and the family.
So sorry to hear of Doug’s passing.
I had the pleasure of working with Doug during my early years at AGCO starting in 2007 up until his retirement. It was always a blessing to be in his presence. Even after his diagnosis he always found a way to stay positive and encourage everyone around him. He will be missed by many of his AGCO friends.
Doug is one of the greatest people I have ever had the privilege of working with. He taught me many of his life skills around traveling for work and most definitely the proper perspective to have at work. I am so thankful to know him and will never forget his influence or his Brewerisms during break. RIP sir.
I will certainly continue to share your wisdom from the top.
I am so grateful that Doug had the good sense and impeccable sensibility to marry my dear friend Margaret Steffy 39 years ago this past August. I am so proud to have been a member of their wedding party and to have witnessed the flourishing of their marriage and family over the years. Godspeed to all of you.