Douglas A. Whitaker

Douglas A. Whitaker, age 92, a longtime resident of Northville, passed away on April 28, 2025. He was born on May 1, 1932 in Litchfield, Minnesota; son of Paul and Doris (Farnum) Whitaker. Douglas was a proud graduate of Benson High School, class of 1950. He attended the University of Minnesota, where he earned his undergraduate degree as well as a Master of Library Science. He was united in marriage to Karel M. Nordgaard on June 20, 1959; they spent over 65 years lovingly devoted to one another.

Douglas was very proud of his post Korean War military experience which included graduation from Army Language School. His knowledge of Mandarin Chinese enabled him to monitor radio transmissions from China. He formed lifelong friendships with ten fellow graduates, which resulted in many enjoyable reunions.

Douglas had a dedicated career in the public library field. He served as the Deputy Director of the Wayne-Oakland Library Federation and retired as the Director of the Wayne County Library System. No matter how busy or long his workday was, he always made time for the people he loved most—his family.

Douglas was a loyal and active member of the First United Methodist Church for more than 56 years. He served on several committees, and his life was enriched by his church friendships and fellowship. Douglas was also an active and dedicated member of the Northville Public Schools community, serving on the school board from 1977 to 1988, including multiple terms as President. A lifelong learner, he was an avid reader and a passionate collector of first edition rare books. He had a brilliant mind for writing and a deep interest in genealogy, always eager to uncover the stories of his ancestors. Douglas was also a devoted gardener and he took great delight in observing nature, especially anything related to birds and blooms.

His love of travel led Douglas and Karel to explore European countries, but England held a special place in his heart as he felt a strong connection to his heritage there. Golfing was another joy in his life, and he especially cherished the time on the course with his wife, family and friends. More than anything, Douglas was an extraordinary husband, father, grandfather, and great grandfather.

Douglas Whitaker regarded himself as having been richly and continuously blessed. His life span exceeded the Biblical three score and ten, and good fortune smiled upon him through all of it. He met and married just the right girl. He had children and grandchildren who made him proud, friends and colleagues he admired, work that was challenging, trips to other parts of the world with Karel, and time at the end of it all, to reflect with her on the wonders of what had been.

Douglas is survived by his wife, Karel; his children, Stephen (Anna) Whitaker, Daniel (Linda) Whitaker, and Mary Rogers; his brother, Richard (Karen) Whitaker; his sister, Linda (Charles Wilkens) Shebiel; his sister-in-law, Marlys Koursh; his grandchildren, Lauren (Jason) Postlewait, Scott (Lauren) Whitaker, Sarah Whitaker, James (Taylor Charpia) Rogers, Jenna (Kyle) Terpstra, and John (Hannah) Rogers; his great grandchildren, Ameila and Henry Postlewait. He was preceded in death by his parents.

Visitation will be held Friday, May 23, 2025 from 10:00 am until 11:00 am with a memorial service beginning at 11:00 am at the First United Methodist Church, 777 West Eight Mile, Northville. Rev. Sarah Wheatley will officiate the service. A luncheon will be held at the church following the service. Douglas will be laid to rest at Rural Hill Cemetery on Friday, May 23, 2025 at 2:30pm.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested to the First United Methodist Church, 777 West Eight Mile, Northville, MI 48167.