Douglas Path passed to eternal life in the early evening on September 11, 2026, at home with his family by his side and our lives will never be the same.
Battling Stage IV cancer for six years, Doug never once complained, was always upbeat and had a smile for all. His thoughts were always of others before himself.
Born Feb 2nd 1954, he was the 4th of eight children. Raised on the family dairy farm, he learned the value of hard work at an early age and carried that throughout his life. While many struggle to find their calling in life, Doug knew at an early age that he loved fixing machinery and knowing how things work. He saved his money and bought his first welder in 8th grade. Despite strict orders from his parents that he could not use the welder until he had a class, the temptation was too great and the minute his parents left, he and his brother would be welding away. After graduation, Doug attended Western Technical College for mechanics. He put that knowledge to good use owning and operating Wilton Service Center for 24 years. He was an excellent diagnostician, was fair and honest and beloved by his many customers. A full-service station, kids in town loved riding their bikes out front and making the bell ring. The station was a gathering place for guys in town to stop and have a soda and visit. Many lifelong friendships were formed. After he sold the station, Doug worked at Fort McCoy doing the final testing on Humvee engines making sure they were safe for our soldiers, a job he took great pride in. He later ended his career at Martin’s Bulk Milk and Trucking.
Doug not only knew at an early age what we wanted to do in life, he knew who he wanted to spend his life with. He and Jan started dating after their freshman year in high school and both soon knew they wanted to be together forever. Married young, they were able to enjoy 53 years together.
Loving the farm, Doug did purchase the family farm and milked 35 cows before returning to mechanics. It was a joy to instill in his children the same love of the land and work ethic he had gained there. His 4020 John Deere was a prized possession. He never lost his passion for growing things and was known for his large, beautiful garden and sharing the rewards with neighbors and family. Cutting wood was another favorite activity and was always happy when he had a chainsaw in his hand.
He was fearless, and would climb high into trees, to saw off limbs or be on the roof even after when he shouldn’t have been doing such things. Once in Wilton a team of horses got startled and bolted, running wildly around pulling a large farm wagon, a dangerous thing, especially with school children on the playground. Doug drove to where they were and somehow leaped on the moving wagon and was able to stop the team near the school. He was embarrassed by the article in the paper praising his heroics.
When he retired his creative side came out. He enjoyed photography and the process of matting and framing them. Dozens of his photos grace the walls of their home. He even won first place in a photo contest in a national magazine. He started writing and recording songs with lyrics that were so full of meaning. He spent many happy hours in his little heated workshop. Making beautiful unique canes was a favorite project and he donated many to the Mayo Cancer Center.
Doug was community minded and was on the Wilton Village Board for 15 years, the Monroe County Board for 10 years, the Elroy School board and time on the St. John the Baptist church council. His faith was very important to him. He not only heard the gospel, he lived it- taking a coat out of his closet to give to a man in town who wore a shabby one. He never missed Sunday Mass and attended even a few days before he died.
Other activities he loved were travel, fishing, plowing snow, and as a true people person, connecting with people. But it was his family that was most important. He loved family time together and he was so proud that his children and grandchildren were good, honest, and hard working like he was. That was his legacy.
Doug was preceded in death by his parents, Emil and Donna Path, father-in-law and mother-in-law Al and Joan Smith, brothers-in-law Roger Williams and Daniel Smith,
several uncles, aunts, and cousins.
Doug is survived by his wife, Jan, five children: Matthew Path, Andrew Path, Katie Riffle (Clint), Leslie Koenig (Cliff), David Path (Sarah), grandchildren Scott Path, Haden and Kendal Path, Grant Koenig, and Devin and Grayson Path, and three great- grandchildren. He is further survived by his siblings: Barbara Williams, Jeri (Larry) Schroeder, Dennis Path (Kathy), Karen Hanson (Mike), Thomas Path(Deanna), Mary Path-Fielder (Mark), Terry Path (Joanie) along with many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
A Mass of Christian burial will be Saturday September 19th at 11:00AM at St John the Baptist Catholic Church, Wilton. Visitation will be Friday from 4-7 at the church or for one hour before the service Saturday.
There are no words to capture the goodness of this humble, kind, man, husband, and father. He is cherished by his family, friends, and neighbors and will be greatly missed. Love you forever!
Smith-Nelson/ Sonnenburg Family Funeral Home is assisting the family. Online condolences may be offered by visiting www.sonnenburgfamilyfh.com.
Smith-Nelson/ Sonnenburg Family Funeral Home
