Douglas C. Wangelin's Obituary
Douglas Charles Wangelin (also known as J.R.), age 45, of Waupaca, went home to be with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on December 15, 2025, after his battle with brain cancer.
He was born on August 6, 1980, in Waupaca, Wisconsin, the son of Douglas A. Wangelin and Ada M. (Martochko) Wangelin. Doug grew up in Waupaca, where he participated in youth baseball and the Awana youth program. During high school, he worked at the Red Mill providing lawn care services for the owner. He graduated from Maranatha Home School in 2000. Shortly after high school, Doug met and married the love of his life, Regina K. (Hoss), on March 24, 2002, in Amherst, Wisconsin. The two made their home in Waupaca and raised their five beautiful children there.
In his early adult years, Doug worked at Anthony Farms and Trail-et, before making his career at Waupaca Foundry, where he spent 12 years, most recently working in the Maintenance Department.
Doug found great joy in the outdoors. He treasured his camping and fishing trips to Minocqua, where he created lasting memories with those he loved. He was passionate about deer hunting, snowmobiling, shooting guns, attending stock car races, watching movies, gardening, and cheering on his children at their sporting events. Above all, spending time with his family and friends brought Doug the greatest fulfillment and happiness.
Doug was also incredibly talented at fixing any type of motor or engine—he was always working on something. His joy and love touched everyone he met. With a gentle spirit and kind heart, he reflected God’s love through every smile and act of compassion. He was a patriot, and his faith, family, and country were of the utmost importance to him.
He was a devoted Christian, husband, father, son, brother, and friend. He leaves behind his cherished wife of 23 years, Regina, and their five beloved children: Elijah (Rose) Wangelin of Appleton, WI, and Samuel, Kimberlie, Alexander, and Aaron Wangelin of Waupaca. He is also survived by his father, Douglas A. Wangelin of Waupaca; his older sister, Angelica (Rob) Johnson, and their children, Grace, August, and Ezra, of Waupaca; and his younger sister, Amy (Michael) Luellen, and their children, Eleanore, Ryan, and Cameron, also of Waupaca.
He is further survived by his Uncle Larry and Aunt Janet Martochko of Fremont, WI; Aunt Barbara (Wangelin) Pankratz of Glidden, WI; Uncle Donald and Aunt Diane Wangelin of Glidden, WI; and Uncle Gale Borchardt of Waupaca, WI. He also leaves behind his cousins, including Ann (Martochko) (Kurt) Pamprin of Manawa, WI; Mary (Martochko) Keehn of Fremont, WI; Michael Martochko of Port Charlotte, FL; Paul (Deb) Brazil of Winona, MN; Jeff (Sue) Pankratz of Glidden, WI; Tammy (Pankratz) (Jerome) Mortimer of Glidden, WI; Randy (Sarah) Pankratz of Mellen, WI; Gregg Wangelin of Glidden, WI; and Stacey (Wangelin) Shepski of Arbor Vitae, WI, along with many other cherished relatives and friends.
He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Charles J. and Ada C. (Powell) Martochko and Lawrence and Irene (Knoke) Wangelin; his mother, Ada M. (Martochko) Wangelin; his aunt, Bonnie L. (Wangelin) Borchardt; his uncles, Donald Pankratz and Bruce Wangelin; and his cousin, Michelle L. (Martochko) Brazil.
Doug faced his cancer with the same tenacity and grace that defined his life. He leaves behind a legacy of love, faith, and courage that will continue to inspire all who knew him. He will be remembered for his gentle, loving spirit, and his deep love for God, family, and country.
A celebration of life service will be held at Victory Church of Waupaca on January 3, 2026. Visitation will be from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM, with the memorial service to follow.
Thank you to everyone who has prayed, helped, and supported our family through this difficult journey. To God be the glory! Romans 8:28
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