John Douglas Udager

John Douglas Udager, “Doug”, 65, peacefully passed away on July 26, 2021, at Ava’s Place Hospice Center in Sioux Falls, SD, with his children by his side.

Doug was born on October 26, 1955, in Faith, SD, to John and Eva (Keagan) Udager. Doug grew up in Faith and graduated from Faith High School in 1973. Doug married Mardie Jo Weekes in 1974, and had two children Toby and Mandy. Doug later enlisted into the United States Navy in 1984 and served his country for 22 years, including the Gulf Wars, Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom. Doug found his true Florida “sunshine”, Diane, while stationed in Mayport, Florida and they were married in 2004.  After his retirement and honorable discharge from the US Navy, Doug remained in Jacksonville where he worked on shipyards and at the Jacksonville Zoo before retiring from work.   

Doug loved his home town and traveled back to South Dakota every summer to visit family, check out the Sturgis Bike Rally, and reconnect with friends during the Faith Stock Show. Doug enjoyed sharing stories about growing up on the ranch, and the countless adventures he and childhood friends had while growing up in South Dakota. You could count on Doug to make a funny comment or joke during any occasion, and his infectious laugh would always brighten the room and get everyone smiling. 

One of Doug’s greatest accomplishments was his service in the U.S. Navy.  Doug loved his country and was incredibly proud of the other sailors he served with on the: USS Barbey, USS Harry W. Hill, USS John Rogers, the USS Gettysburg and other shore duty assignments. Wherever he was stationed, Doug quickly made lifelong friends. Doug retired in August of 2005 as a Chief Petty Officer and was known by many of his ship mates as the “Great Udag”.

Doug is survived by his children, Toby (Tara) Udager of Buckley, WA, and Mandy Udager of Ellensburg, WA; grandchildren, (Toby) Amaya, and Braden Udager; (Mandy) Kolten Udager, Molly and Amy McNutt; siblings: Dan (Brenda) Udager of Sturgis, SD, Doyle (Deanne) of Buckeye, AZ, and Kristy (Jerry) Spencer of Faith.

He is preceded in death by his wife, Diane in 2007; his mother, Eva in 1988; his father, Tom in 2017.

Committal services will be 2:00 p.m. on Monday, August 30, 2021, at Black Hills National cemetery near Sturgis with military honors.