Born on October 7, 1943, in Damar, Kansas, Doug Berland passed away peacefully on February 11, 2026, in Florence, Arizona, at the age of 82.
Doug was the son of Blanche and Alverize Berland. He grew up in Damar and graduated from Damar High School before earning a Bachelor of Science in Education from Fort Hays State University.
Doug's life was marked by a deep appreciation for nature and a zest for outdoor adventure. He found joy in camping, boating, golfing, and playing pickleball. Summers were spent amid the scenic beauty of Chateau Chaparral in Buena Vista, Colorado, while winters brought him to the warmth of Florence, Arizona. These seasonal retreats reflected his love for the outdoors and his desire to share those experiences with friends and loved ones.
Doug was a devoted member of the Knights of Columbus in both Florence and Damar. His faith and community involvement were important parts of his life.
He is survived by his loving wife Lorraine, whom he married in May 1992; his daughter Beth Brown (Brian); son Bradley (Nikki); five stepchildren: Gwyn Marie Schmidtberger, Aaron Schmidtberger (Victoria), Kandra Schmidtberger, Russ Schmidtberger, and Ryan Schmidtberger (Angela); fifteen grandchildren; and ten great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his brothers Paul, Vince, and Bryan; and sisters Roberta, Carolyn, and Debbie.
Doug was preceded in death by his parents Blanche and Alverize Berland; his daughter Belinda; and his brother Harlan.
Over the years, Doug owned and operated a custom harvesting business that stretched from Canada to Texas, later devoted himself to education as both a teacher and bus driver, and built a rental property business. Whether in the fields, the classroom, or at home, Doug's life was defined not only by what he did, but by how he showed up for the people he loved. He carried a strong work ethic and a steady commitment to providing for and supporting his family - a devotion that remained steadfast even through the profound loss of his daughter Belinda. The final 34 years of Doug's life were spent in marriage to Lorraine, building a shared life marked by companionship, faith, travel, and seasonal traditions in Colorado and Arizona.
A rosary will precede the Memorial Service at 9:00 a.m., followed by the Memorial Mass on March 7, 2026, from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. at Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, 221 E. 8th Street, Florence, Arizona 85132.
Doug's ashes will be laid to rest in a Mass and burial service on May 2, 2026 at 10:00 am at St. Joseph's Church, 107 Oak Street, Damar, Kansas 67632.
Doug's family would like to express their heartfelt thanks to the staff at Ama Vida Care Home in San Tan Valley, Arizona, for the compassion, dignity, and attentive care they provided in his final days. With gentle presence and kindness, the caregivers ensured that he was comfortable and surrounded by tenderness as he made his peaceful transition.
Memorials: throughout Doug's life he valued family and education. He spent most of his life between Kansas and Colorado. Please contribute to the following organizations in Colorado https://elifenetwork.com/ and Kansas https://www.prairiemoon.org/donate/here Florence, Arizona https://assumptionofmary.org/ and Damar, Kansas https://salinadiocese.org/parish/st-joseph-parish-damar/