IN LOVING MEMORY OF

Douglas Gordon

Douglas Gordon Peterson, Dc Profile Photo

Peterson, Dc

May 27, 1957 — Jul 15, 2025

Appleton

Obituary

For a live stream of Doug's service, please click or enter the following link: https://client.tribucast.com/tcid/a25088569378432

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Douglas Gordon Peterson, DC, who peacefully left us on July 15, 2025, at the age of 68, after courageously battling cancer.  Born on May 27, 1957.  Doug lived an extraordinary life marked by adventure, dedication, and an unwavering commitment to healing others.

Doug embodied the spirit of adventure throughout his life.  In his younger years, he explored his backyard woods by often moving from tree to tree without touching the ground.  He enjoyed scouting and earned his Eagle Scout Award on May 6, 1974.  He found joy in hunting, fishing, and camping, embracing the great outdoors with enthusiasm.  His adventurous nature led him to learn skiing and diving, and he eventually became a licensed pilot of small planes, always seeking new horizons and experiences.  He also enjoyed painting and sculpting.

Dedicated to his calling as a healer, Doug graduated from Palmer College of Chiropractic in December 1982 and purchased his clinic in Oshkosh, Wisconsin, after graduation.  Doug worked as a Chiropractor for almost 40 years and loved working with his patients.  During the 1990s, he expanded his expertise to become a sports physician, helping athletes and patients achieve their best.  His passion for chiropractic care knew no bounds – he even financed and brought chiropractic to Brazil, extending his healing touch across continents.  Doug truly believed he was called to represent God's will as one of His healers on this earth, and he lived this mission every day through his compassionate care and hardworking nature.

Doug was involved in the Mankind Project (MKP) in 1993.   MKP is a global nonprofit organization focused on personal development and men's leadership.  It aims to help men develop emotional intelligence, foster deeper connections with themselves and others, and contribute positively to their communities.  For 18 years, Doug led and supported groups of men through the Mankind Project.

To Evelyn, Doug was known as her "fashionista".  Wherever they traveled, there would be someone noticing the attractive shirt he was wearing.  Most of the time, they were Hawaiian shirts, which he loved.  When we were at Harod's in London, one of the salesmen rushed up and asked him where he got his shirt.  We smiled at each other and then he said, "at a boutique", but it was actually purchased at World Market!  Doug was always challenging the boundaries.  He would walk to the edge of cliffs, explore, and move past the signs in museums that said, "Closed To The Public".  During one trip, the signs on roads that led to the Kennedy Compound in Hyannis Port, Massachusetts, said, "DO NOT ENTER!" which was interpreted as more of a suggestion according to our attorney friend Pete, who was driving.  This was how Doug interpreted it and found new adventures this way.

During the last 14 years of his life, Doug enjoyed family life with his partner, Evelyn.  Since he had no children, and she had four grandsons, he fondly referred to them as his grandchildren.  Doug and Evelyn enjoyed traveling to England, Spain, Mexico, Kauai, Key West, California, and other cities.  Door County, Wisconsin, was one of their favorites.

Doug is survived by his beloved partner, Evelyn Hobbs, who shared her grandsons Nolan, Emmett, Sebastian, and Axel with him.  Axel held a particularly special place in Doug's heart, sharing a unique bond with his "Bopa."  Evelyn's children also survived him: Krista Hobbs (Chris Yankowski), Lucas Hobbs (Rachel), and Zach Hobbs (Kathryn).  Doug is also survived by his Aunt Marie Peterson, and cousins Steve Peterson (Janine), Brian Peterson, Cindy Peterson, Beth Nelson (Scott), Jim Peterson (Jeanine), Mike Graves (Linda), Linda Murray, Don Peterson (Dawn), Richard Peterson (Char), and brother-in-law Tom Steele.  Doug's mother, Lois, father, Walter, and sister, Susan, preceded him in death.

Doug's legacy lives on through the countless lives he touched, both as a dedicated chiropractor and as a man who approached life with boundless curiosity and genuine care for others.  His adventurous spirit, healing hands, and generous heart will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

Doug's celebration of Life Service will be held at Brettschneider Trettin-Nickel Funeral Chapel, 606 N. Oneida St., Appleton, Wisconsin 54911, on Saturday, August 30, 2025.  Visitation will be from 9:00 am to 11:30 am, and the Service will be held from 11:30 am to 12:30 pm.  The service will be streamed live for those who cannot attend.  A link for this livestream will appear soon.  Doug's ashes will be spread in the woods of Wisconsin at a later date.

To send flowers with our preferred florist or plant a memorial tree, please visit our flower store.

Funeral Services

Visitation

August
30

Saturday

Brettschneider Trettin-Nickel Funeral Chapel

606 North Oneida Street, Appleton, WI 54911

9:00 - 11:30 am

Celebration of Life Service

August
30

Saturday

Brettschneider Trettin-Nickel Funeral Chapel

606 North Oneida Street, Appleton, WI 54911

11:30 am - 12:30 pm

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