Doug’s journey on earth ended peacefully on Saturday, November 13; he suffered a stroke 16 years ago and never fully recovered. Born in Des Moines, he graduated from Roosevelt High School and attended the University of Iowa. He left college to help run the family bakery, George’s Donut Shop, which was located next to La Pizza House on SE 14th Street for many years. With his personality and a great head of hair (he was molto bello!), he went into sales and moved to Denver, CO. (Whether jewelry or sportswear, we loved and often helped ourselves to his “samples.”) He met his wife and stepdaughter, and they relocated to Seattle, WA. Doug was an original Seattle Seahawks ticket holder as well as a dedicated University of Washington fan.
He was preceded in death by his parents Guido and Flora Jean (Cox) Fontanini and stepdaughter Tami Sharpe. He is survived by his siblings Roger Fontanini, Lori Haakinson, and John Fontanini; grandson Nicholas Childers; and many nieces and nephews, great-nieces and nephews, and cousins.
We thank Regency Care Center in Norwalk, Hospice of the Midwest in Johnston, and many friends and cousins for their loving care.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at Christ the King Catholic Church in Des Moines on Wednesday, November 17 at 11:00 a.m. A luncheon will follow.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Christ the King Catholic Church (Des Moines), St. John the Apostle Catholic Church (Norwalk), Hospice of the Midwest (Johnston), or to the family for a memorial in Doug’s name.
