Douglas W. Schiel
June 10, 1941-June 24, 2023
Pleasanton, California

Doug Schiel — A long time resident of Pleasanton, CA passed away unexpectedly Saturday, June 24, 2023.

Born in Minneapolis, Minnesota June 10, 1941, Doug spent his childhood in Dearborn, Michigan outside of Detroit. His parents, Walter and Margaret Schiel along with younger brother Richard and sister Carolyn moved cross country in 1957 settling in Whittier, California, outside of Los Angeles. It was here where he met, and fell in love with Sandy, with whom he’d go on to share 59 years of marriage together.

Following high school with an interest in mechanical engineering and an opportunity to compete at the college level in swimming he enrolled in the University of Wyoming, in Laramie, bringing Sandy along for this new adventure. After graduation from college and a few years back living in the Los Angeles area working in Aerospace Engineering, Doug moved with his family to Pleasanton in 1971 where he started his career in automotive engineering with Peterbilt Motors, and then with New United Motors Manufacturing (NUMMI) shifting over to Quality Assurance. His passion for golf lead him to the perfect retirement job at Dublin Ranch Golf Course for 15 years as a Course Marshall. Doug swam competitively his whole life receiving many medals, ribbons and accolades from Dearborn HS ,California HS in Whittier, Fullerton College, the University of Wyoming along with Livermore Aquacowboys and Tri Valley Masters swim teams up to the age 73. He continued to get in the pool to swim his laps as he had done throughout his life, his last workout just a couple weeks back. He loved and followed all sports faithfully. Any and all games or matches grabbing his attention, didn’t really matter which sport, or team, but he did have his favorites for sure.

He is survived by his wife Sandy, his son, Steve Schiel (Cathy), and daughter, Kristen Joksch (Scott), granddaughters Megan and Nicole Schiel, grandson Carson Quintana, along with brother Richard “Dick” Schiel (Laura) and sister Carolyn Schaal and their respective children and grandchildren, along with many cousins scattered about the country.

Doug lived a joyful life. He loved to laugh, and always had a good joke to tell, many of them really funny. He will be so missed by his family, friends, and all who had the pleasure of being a part of his life.