Obituary of Douglas D. Tauke

Douglas D. Tauke, 70, of Dyersville, Iowa peacefully passed away Tuesday, January 14, 2025 at his home surrounded by his loving family.

Visitation will be held from 3-8 p.m., Thursday, January 16, 2025, at Kramer Funeral Home in Dyersville, Iowa. Visitation will continue Friday morning from 9-10:30 a.m. at Kramer Funeral Home prior to funeral services.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 a.m., Friday, January 17, 2025, at St. Francis Xavier Basilica in Dyersville with burial following in the church cemetery.  Rev. Dennis Quint will officiate with Rev. Chris Podhajsky concelebrating.

Doug was born November 17, 1954 in Manchester, Iowa, son of David and Joan (Moorman) Tauke. After graduating from Beckman High School, he began his career at Tauke Motors in Dyersville, under the guidance of his father. He worked his way up from “grease monkey” to eventually taking over the business with his brother, Dan. He always did his best to exceed both employee and customer expectations.

He married Kathy J. McDermott June 26, 1976 in Dyersville, Iowa. He was a devoted family man and enjoyed watching his children and grandchildren succeed in life. Doug was a proud member of the Dyersville Fire Department for 23 years, serving as assistant fire chief for 10 years. He spent most of his free time at his cabin on the Mississippi River, watching the eagles soar and making memories pulling skiers, boarders and tubers. He cherished the good conversations and cocktails shared with family and friends by the campfire. When not on the water, he fueled the gas in his veins by racing cars in his early years (statute of limitations has passed), later shifting into modifying Ramchargers and in recent years tending to his always spotless Jeep. Doug inspired others through his strength, grace and generosity, making the most of every day.

His legacy will live on through his wife, Kathy, children: Joe (Kim) Tauke of Germantown Hills, IL, Laura (Scott) Herbst of Cedar Rapids, IA, and four grandchildren, Aiden, Miles, Grace and Luke; stepmother, Alice Tauke of Dyersville; father and mother in-law, Patrick and Patricia McDermott of Epworth; siblings: Deb (John) Ketchen of Vinton, Diane (Craig) Reid of Marion, Sue (Dr. Larry) Ellingson of Iowa City, Sandy (Rick) Isenhart of Littleton, CO, Dan (Sue) Tauke of Dyersville, brother-in-law, Dennis (Shari) Overman of Dyersville; in-laws: Kerry (Karen) McDermott of Altoona, Kelli McDermott of Cascade, Lynne (Roger) Gibbs of Dyersville, Amy Kauffmann of Dubuque and numerous loved nieces and nephews.

Doug was preceded in death by his parents, sister, Beth “Bunny” Overman and many relatives from the Tauke, Moorman, McDermott, A’Hearn and Konzen families.

Kramer Funeral Home in Dyersville is assisting the family.  Information is available at www.kramerfuneral.com.