Douglas R Caswell polka’d through the pearly gates on May 6th 2017 at the age of 69. He was born May 21st, 1947 in Chicago to the late Margaret (Lunde) and Robert Caswell. He moved to Ludington as a young boy, where he met his lifelong friend Les Kaines working at BB Marine beginning at the age of 13. He graduated from Ludington High School in 1965. Doug attended flight school at Northwestern Michigan College where he earned his commercial, multi-engine and flight instructor ratings before going to work for Mason County Aviation. He served overseas in the US Navy during the Vietnam War. He returned to Ludington where he married Mary Ellen House on March 30th, 1973 at the home of Lynford and Sandra Davis. She preceded him in death on March 25th, 1998.

Doug turned his beer-drinking hobby into a career when he began working as a salesman for Latocha & Company, later purchasing it in 1987. He owned and operated Caswell-Latocha Inc. and Mary Ellen Foods for 24 years, retiring in 2011. He took great pride in his work, his employees and his customers, frequently referring to doing business with “600 of my closest friends”. After retirement, he could frequently be found sipping and dreaming in the garage with his colleague and friend Tom Peterson and long-time neighbor Dan Neil.

In his spare time, Doug was an avid sailor and downhill skier. He enjoyed “people-moving” on his various forms of alternative transportation. Most recently, he acquired a 5-car train, which he used to haul kids of all ages around “Reunion Park”, his Amish-constructed campground for family and friends in Hamlin Township. His famous red hat could be spotted regularly around the arena at the Mason County Fairgrounds, chugging around Hamlin Lake with Robin and the dogs, and hosting friends around his bar at the Crystal Mtn Saloon. He was famous for his tailgates at Notre Dame football games, New Year’s Eve Polka Parties, and familiar welcome and farewell quote “E.I.O!” He generously yet anonymously supported many community non-profits. His zest for life was immeasurable, his role as a father unforgettably his own, and his legacy will be carried on by the many he crossed paths with.

He is survived by his daughter Jennifer (Patrick) Schaffler of Traverse City, MI. His grandchildren Thomas and Margaret Schaffler. Girlfriend Robin (nee Calkin) Abrahamson. Brothers-in-law Bill (Terry) House of Thompsonville, MI, and Ernie House of Jacksonville, FL. Nieces Stephanie (Todd) Galdes of Traverse City, and Chelsea (George) Malinoff of Flagstaff, AZ. Nephew Josh (Taneisha) House of South Carolina. Countless friends who are family, including the entire Caswell-Latocha gang.

Funeral to be held at St Simon’s Parish, Ludington MI on Saturday, May 13th at 11am with Fr Wayne Wheeler officiating. Visitation will begin at 10am and a celebration of life will follow at Reunion Park, in Hamlin Township.

In lieu of flowers, please consider memorial contributions in Doug’s name to St Simon’s food pantry, Mason County 4H, Mrs. Mullen’s Closet of Benzie County, the Scottville Clown Band, or Ludington Youth Sailing School.

Please share your fond memories of Doug at www.OakGroveFH.com.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Oak Grove Funeral Home & Cremation Center of Ludington.

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