Doug Steven Caldwell

Doug Steven Caldwell, 54, of Helena Montana, formerly of Edelstein, Illinois, died of heart failure Saturday, July 16, 2016 at Saint Patrick’s Hospital in Missoula, MT.

Doug was born October 1, 1961 in Peoria to Robert and Carol (Gronewold) Caldwell and was the proud father of three beautiful daughters. Doug was preceded in death by his grandparents, Clara and Alvin Gronewold, and Dorothy and Gerald Caldwell. Surviving are his parents, daughters; Stephanie (Nyc) Hougham, Samantha, and Sydney; brothers Craig (Jamie) and Rod (Vickie); grandson Gerry, and nieces and nephews; James, Taylor, Abigail, Darcie, and Heath; mother of his children and many friends.

Doug was raised in the Lutheran faith, graduated from Princeville High School and attended Illinois Central College. He spent most of his life in Illinois where he worked on the family farm and his grandfather’s fertilizer plant (Caldwell Brothers Soil Service), drove a truck for Martin Farms and Long Rock Company, assembled large equipment at Komatsu, and was an owner operator at Caldwell Trucking. Later in life, he followed his dream of living in the mountains and moved to Helena, Montana, made many new friends, and, most recently, worked as the head groundskeeper at St. Peter’s Hospital.

Doug was loved by many, extremely caring, and quick to help others, but rarely asked for help for himself. He was a meticulous carpenter, a gifted artist, and an excellent mechanic. As he said in The Truckers’ Rig Rag, “Maintenance is important to me – I figure that if I take care of my truck, my truck will take care of me.” He loved fishing, traveling, rhubarb pie, candy, the St Louis Cardinals, and most of all, his girls. We will always remember his contagious smile, piercing blue eyes, and great laugh.

A memorial service will be held at 6 - 8 p.m. on Thursday, August 11th at the Edelstein Community Church Hall in Edelstein, Illinois.

Cremation was under the care of Garden City Funeral Home & Crematory. Condolences and memories may be left for the family at www.gardencityfh.com