Douglas Richard Wage of The Woodlands, Texas passed away on Friday, June 14, 2024 at the age of 77 with his wife of 55 years Carol, and children by his side. Doug was born on May 20, 1947, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin where he grew up in West Allis, Wisconsin with his parents, Richard & Mildred (Esch) Wage, and younger siblings Dave and Diane. The Wage household was a loving one with many aunts, uncles, cousins, and neighbors where lifelong friendships were formed. Doug had an active childhood playing sports at the General Mitchell Fieldhouse, playing guitar in a band (including a Beatles wig), and spending summers in Hayward, Wisconsin. It was during these years that Doug formed his passions for golf (getting in trouble for the backyard divots), fishing, and the Green Packers.
Upon graduating from Nathan Hale High School, Doug enrolled at the University of Wisconsin-Platteville where he graduated with a Bachelors of Science Degree in Civil Engineering. While there he was a member of the Sigma Tau Gamma Fraternity and spent summers working for the Wisconsin Highway Department. Upon graduation Doug went on to serve his country as an Army Military Police Officer at White Sands Missile Range in New Mexico.
It was during these college years that Doug met Carol Huizenga who would become the love of his life. They married on May 30, 1969 surrounded by friends and family. Their love and 55 year marriage would serve as a beacon and example for their children. They worked seamlessly together and always knew what the best decision was for the family as they went through life. There were times they sacrificed their own happiness for the good of the family, but never lost sight of each other. Always thoughtful, Doug would often call upon memories of their time together or small details to show the depth and strength of their relationship. Even in his last days, he had Carol’s back.
In 1973 Doug & Carol had their first child Joel. Five years later in 1978 they had their second child Sara, completing the family of four that would go on to live an adventurous life together, giving the family a lifetime of memories in a short amount of time. Doug was many things as a father and role model, including coach, dance partner, scout leader, chauffeur, and the funding source for Joel and Sara to live a full life and pursue their dreams. As they grew older Doug became a trusted confidant and friend, further deepening their relationships and experiences.
Upon completion of his military service, Doug started his career with Mobil Oil in Chicago, Illinois in 1972. While he started building gas stations in the Chicagoland area, his career quickly grew as he joined the Mobil Research & Development Corporation. This would take his career to heights he never imagined, working on project teams and task forces the launched coal mines and significant offshore facilities. It was these years that took Doug and the family on an exciting journey of travel with each new project. Working in nearly a dozen different states from Colorado to New Jersey, the highlights included international spots with the family getting the opportunity to live in Stavanger, Norway, and St. Johns, Newfoundland, Canada. In 1997 his career took a different direction when he was selected to join a strategic group that would eventually take on a significant role when ExxonMobil was formed, and ultimately brought Doug & Carol to The Woodlands. This brought more opportunity for travel internationally spending significant time throughout South America. At the end of 2003 Doug retired after a 30 plus year distinguished career and it was clear that he was respected and admired by all.
The timing of Doug’s retirement couldn’t have been better as the family was blessed with grandchildren in each of the next three years with the arrival of Carter Wage in 2004, with Emma Sherman and Kiera Wage following. The family was rounded out a second time when Garrett Wage came in 2010. Doug grasped every moment he could with his grandkids in taking them fishing, playing golf, going to shows and spring training games. Doug did everything he could to be present as his grandkids pursued their passions whether it be dance, cheer, theater, scouts, or hockey. It was a blind love that resulted in deep meaningful relationships with each of them.
Upon retirement, if Doug wasn’t spending time with family, or travelling somewhere to see family, you were likely to find him on a stream, lake or golf course. Throughout his life Doug was avid fisherman who tied his own flies and made multiple excursions to Alaska and numerous streams through out the country. However, in his heart, his favorite place was Hayward, Wisconsin, pursing the ever-evasive Muskie. On the golf course Doug played with his regular group at one of the many courses at the Woodlands Country Club and enjoyed a cigar and a beer or two afterwards.
Retirement also brought Doug and Carol the opportunity to spend their summers at a vacation home in Mystic, Connecticut, bringing them back to the east coast and rekindling lifelong friendships. Perhaps most importantly, Doug got his boat. During retirement Doug and Carol did extensive travel globally with friends (and not for work). While at home they kept busy with their church and Doug would volunteer time with Habit for Humanity. Through this they developed deep friendships.
While it is an understatement to say that Doug lived a live well-lived with incredible experiences, he was still the man from West Allis, Wisconsin that appreciated the simple things in life like fishing from a dock, playing cribbage and listening to a ball game on the radio. He always brought perspective, intellect, and a calming effect to those around him. As the rock of the family, he provided unmatched love and commitment which will be truly missed.
He is preceded in death by his parents Richard & Mildred Wage, brother David Wage, and sister Diane Choinski.
He is survived by his wife of 55 years Carol Wage, son Joel Wage (Carrie), daughter Sara Sherman (Jason), and grandchildren Carter Wage, Emma Sherman, Kiera Wage and Garrett Wage.
Family and friends are invited to attend a Memorial Service at Lord of Life Lutheran Church (3801 South Panther Creek Drive, The Woodlands, TX 77381) on Saturday, July 20, 2024 at 11 AM.
In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in his honor to Cure IBM (cureibm.org/donate/) or MD Anderson Cancer Center (gifts.mdanderson.org/Default.aspx?tsid=8443).
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