Jerome Wayne Dougan

Jerome (Jerry) Wayne Dougan, M.D. of Minneapolis, passed away on Saturday, March 23, 2024, at the age of 92. He was born on March 14, 1932 in Madison, WI and grew up in Cheyenne, WY and Western Springs, IL.

Always driven by an intense curiosity about people and the world, Jerry knew as a child that he wanted to be a medical doctor. Much-loved for his gentle demeanor, wit and love of learning, his legacy can be measured by the number of lives he improved. After working his way through Yale University and graduating in 1954 with a degree in English, Jerry entered medical school at the Columbia College of Physicians and Surgeons (’58). His medical career allowed him to see the country and the world. He was stationed in France as a medical officer in the USAF from 1960-62 and, while on leave, witnessed the construction of the Berlin Wall. A series of internships and residencies in the US then took him from Dallas, TX to Rochester, NY, where he met the love of his life, Deborah (Debby) Jean Greabell. They were married for over 60 years. He specialized in the then-new sub-specialty of Rheumatology at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Presbyterian and eventually started one of the first rheumatology private practices in Minneapolis, a predecessor to Arthritis and Rheumatology Consultants. Throughout his career, his medical practice was marked by compassion for his patients, meticulous research and precision in his diagnoses. He was affiliated with Abbott Northwestern Hospital for 40 years and lectured at the University of Minnesota Medical School. Frustrated with the digitalization of medicine and unwilling to cut corners in writing consultations and patient notes, he retired in 1999.

Computerphobia aside, Jerry was a true Renaissance Man. He was a wine connoisseur and was passionate about world history, literature and the Minnesota North Stars/Wild. His lifelong love of jazz music began as a teen listening to the radio program hosted by Daddy-O Daylie, the first African-American to host a regularly scheduled network radio show in Chicago. Jerry loved musical theater, both on Broadway and on film and he had an encyclopedic knowledge of the MGM classics. He was a lifelong supporter of the Guthrie Theater and the Minnesota Orchestra. Jerry was an active member of St. Alban’s Episcopal Church in Edina for many years. In retirement, he grew his library, studied history and the Russian language, and traveled the world.

Jerry was preceded in death by his parents, Bernice Marion Dougan and Trever Cranston (Pat) Dougan, and is survived by his sister Karla, his wife Debby, his sons, Scott (Cristina), Patrick (Connie) and Daniel (Veronika) and grandchildren, Karla, Bryce, Nikki, Tomás, Jack and Danica.

Family, friends, and associates are invited to attend his burial on Wednesday, May 22 at 11 am at Fort Snelling. Following the interment, a reception will be held at 12:30pm at the Minneapolis Club, 729 2nd Ave. S., Minneapolis, MN.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to his beloved Yale University or to St. Jude’s Research Hospital (see below under Show Your Support>Donations).