Douglas E. Friend

Age 64 of Forest Lake. Loving Husband, Dad, Grandpa & Brother, passed away at home with his wife and partner of 32 years by his side on October 14th after a 4 year battle with stage 4 pancreatic cancer.    

Survived by his loving partner and wife of 32 years, Kathy Murphy; his children, Krista (Wes) Wilcox, Derrick; step daughters, Kelly Dixon and Katelyn Dixon. He had a tremendous love for his grandchildren: Lukas, Tyler, Vivian, Nash, and Landon. He is also deeply missed by his brothers Jeff, Greg (Lori), Chris (Diane); and his second family, Wayne (Jean) Murphy, Nancy, Sherrie (Bob), Patty (Dave) and Kim (Gary); also many nieces, nephews, relatives and friends! 

Preceded in death by parents, Loren & Joann; sister-in-law, Karen Murphy. 

To know Douglas E. Friend was to love Douglas E. Friend. He was a man full of love, life, laughter and adventure! He was a kindhearted man and a godly man with an infectious smile. 

He was a true outdoorsman, he enjoyed snowmobiling, boating, motorcycling, pedal biking, hunting, making his own fishing poles. Doug was up to always try something new! And always a larger-than-life story to tell! His love for fishing brought him to many new places and made many close friends. His most precious place was his cabin in Siren, WI. He spent days just sitting fishing off the dock or floating on his boat.    

When he wasn’t fishing he was on his Harley. He loved the open road and the wind in his hair. He was also proud of his 1969 Plymouth Barracuda. 

He had a green thumb and took pride in his garden; his specialty was homemade raspberry jam. 

He loved spending time in Arizonia where he found warmth, sunshine and peace with family and friends.  

Doug started his own HVAC company in his late twenties, Friend Mechanical, through his devotion and hard work made him the strong independent man that he was.  

Please join us to celebrate his life! Friends and family at 12:30 PM with a service at 2 PM Sunday, November 1st, Roberts Family Funeral Home, Forest Lake.