Douglas Lillback

Douglas Donald Lillback, 66, Finland, received his wings, surrounded by family on Thursday, January 19, 2023 at Essentia Health St. Mary’s Medical Center.

Doug was born December 4, 1956 to Donald and Betty (Lindholm) Lillback in Duluth and grew up in Finland, graduating from William Kelley High School in Silver Bay in 1975.  Doug worked at Reserve Mining, Holden Logging, Carpenters Local 361, VanHouse Construction, and Ernest Logging.  He married the love of his life Lori Houle in 1978.

Doug was an avid outdoorsman who loved hunting, fishing, trapping, and the cabin on McDougal Lake.  But what he loved most was family!  He was a very loveable, caring person and loved to tease everyone, especially his wife and grandkids.  Doug took pride in his girls and sons-in-law and all their accomplishments, and loved being a grandpa/papa and would brag about them any chance he got.

Doug was preceded in death by his father, Donald; father and mother-in-law, John and Luella Houle; grandparents, Anslem and Agnes Lillback and Gus and Isabel Lindholm; great-niece and goddaughter, Jamie Lynn Tikkanen; and infant brother, David.

He is survived by his wife, Lori, daughters, Jennifer (Derek) VanHouse and Ashley (David) Klemmer; grandchildren, Anna Klemmer, Gavin VanHouse, Jordan Klemmer, and Madisyn VanHouse;  his mother, Betty Lillback; sisters, Terri Lillback and Kim (Bob) Adams; brothers-in-law, Steve (Patty) Houle, Bob (Susan Koschak) Houle, and Rick (Rebecca) Houle; and many nieces, nephews,aunts, uncles, cousins, and his sweet sidekick, his dog, Rayna.

Please join us for a Celebration of Life at 11 AM on Friday, January 27th, 2023 at the Clair Nelson Community Center in Finland.  Lunch will follow.  A private family burial will take place in the spring.