Douglas Workman
March 18, 2015
Douglas Workman, 51, passed away on Wednesday March 18, 2015, surrounded by his loving family, after a lengthy, courageous battle with colon cancer. He was born December 26, 1963 in Des Moines, Iowa.
Doug graduated from Southeast Polk in 1982, and attended the University of Iowa where he received both his Bachelor's Degree in 1985 and his Doctor of Medicine Degree in 1989 from the College of Medicine. He went on to complete his Family Practice Residency in Davenport, Iowa, and worked in private practice in Bettendorf, Iowa for seven years. From 1999 up until the time of his death, he was employed by Broadlawns Medical Center. In that time, he taught at the Family Practice Residency Program for nine years and founded the Primary Care Clinic in 2008, where he served as Section Chief. He looked forward to going to work at Broadlawns every day.
Doug was a lifelong learner. He served two terms on the Southeast Polk School Board, and was the Caucus Chairman of his precinct several times. Additionally, he was a committee member of the Colorectal Cancer Roundtable, and was a Clinical Assistant Professor of Family Medicine at the University of Iowa, College of Medicine.
Doug was a man of faith and lived his life exemplifying Christ. He was passionate about spreading the Gospel of Christ and went on several medical mission trips to foreign countries. He loved his work with the refugee population in the Des Moines area as well.
Doug was a kind, gracious, and humble man whose character was defined by his integrity. He had a wonderful sense of humor and was a true optimist. Despite a grim prognosis, he continued to be a positive role model and community leader. Doug loved being outside, and enjoyed hunting, hiking, biking, doing triathlons, reading, playing the drums, MMA, and riding his Harley. He loved spending time with his friends, his DWWS Breakfast Club, and traveling abroad. Above all else, he loved spending time with his wife, children, and family.
He is survived by his loving wife of 26 years, Joann; son, Drew Workman; daughter, Abigail Workman; parents, Lewis and Sally Workman; sisters, Diane (Fred) Holt and Deborah (Todd) Newby; brothers- and sisters-in-law, John Naughton, Steve (Lizy) Naughton, Kathy (Rick) Wozniak and Mary (Steve) Sieloff; nieces and nephews, Amy Holt, Heidi and Jill Newby, Ben and Josh Wozniak, and Tyler and Nathan Sieloff.
Visitation will be Monday, March 23, 2015 from 4 to 8 p.m. at Lutheran Church of the Cross, 1701 8th St. SW in Altoona. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m., Tuesday, March 24th at the church with burial to follow at Rising Sun Cemetery.
The family would like to thank Dr. Tom Buroker and the staff of Powell 3 for their compassionate care.
Memorial Contributions may be made to: Colon Cancer Coalition (coloncancercoalition.org), Opportunity International (opportunity.org) or Xponent Ministries (xponentministries.org).
*The family wishes to invite everyone to wear brightly-colored clothing to celebrate Doug’s life.
On-line condolences to
www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com
Terry Janssen/ Krumm Sales
03/23/2015
Doug was a very strong man, with a desire to live, and share his life with family & friends. I sold Doug his riding lawn mower, and serviced the mower for many years. Last summer we talked for a long time. He was a role model for all of us to live our lives, and releize his was to short. I fell honored to know Doug and will think of him daily. Hug your family, and call your parents and friends today. Doug, thank you for the advise your shared with me. you will always be my friend. My deepest sympathies to the family.
Sandra Steele Former Birthing Center nurse.
03/23/2015
Sorry to hear of Dr. Workman's death. He was always pleasant and kind.
Ben Smith
03/23/2015
Doug trained me while I was in medical school.
As others here have noted, he was a man of great kindness and humility. He was sharp as a tack and approached everything with a contagious enthusiasm.
I consider it a great honor to have been trained by him and an even greater honor to have been his friend afterwards.
My deepest sympathies go out to the Workman family.
Larry White-former swim coach
03/23/2015
I was sorry to hear of the passing of Doug. I remember all of the good times with Doug and your family while coaching the swim team at SE. Polk. Please know my thoughts and prayers are with your family.
Marcia & Delton Haynes
03/23/2015
Debbie and Todd, we send our thoughts and prayers and love from Florida to your family. Doug was a fine example of a godly man, who leaves an amazing legacy of faith. We know you were proud to call him brother and best friend.
Mo Gilmore
03/23/2015
Such a great human being. Dr. Workman will be missed!
Joyce & Doug Raymond
03/22/2015
We were so sorry to read about Doug's passing in the paper. I know from having Abby in the Learning Center that your family has a very strong faith. We pray that God will comfort you and give you strength at this very difficult time.
Julie Johnson and Dennis Prine
03/22/2015
We were sadden to hear about Dr. Workman. He was a great man, doctor, and friend. He changed our lives in so many ways. He was tenacious in helping us find answers, up until he no longer was able. He always had a way of easing our worries. Even when he was sick himself he made us feel like our issues were more important. He was just the kindess, nicest, genuine person we have ever met. He will truly be missed!
JR Robinson
03/22/2015
Very saddened to hear of Doug's passing. I spent two years living right across the hall in Currier dorm at Iowa. Always remember his bright smiling face. Always joking with all of us. Smartest guy in the room. God Bless him and his family.
Wendy
03/22/2015
Dr. Workman was a very kind man who will be greatly missed. My deepest condolences to his family for their loss.
Dawn Walker
03/22/2015
Will miss seeing Dr. Workman in the hallways of BMC and enjoyed running into outside of BMC at our daughter's dance competitions in the past. Such a kind and generous man to EVERYONE at all times and was NEVER without a smile!! Rest in peace, Dr. Workman and my deepest sympathy to the Workman family. Peace be with you all...
Phil Weber
03/22/2015
Doctor Douglas Workman was my nephew, and one of the finest young men I have ever known. I am eternally grateful that I traveled to Des Moines last August and had the opportunity to spend an evening with Doug at his parents home. The Lord often works in ways we do not understand, yet we know He has a plan for Douglas. This is a highly talented and skilled young doctor who gave unselfishly of his time and talents, and shared deep love for each member of his family. Doug, I miss you but you will forever be in my heart.
Bill Roland
03/22/2015
Sorry to hear of Doug's passing. I haven't seen your family since being at First Federated. I will keep all of you in my prayers.
Alyssa Frideres - former BMC employee
03/22/2015
I didn't see Dr. Workman often, but he always had a smile on his face and kind words to say. I could see the love of the Lord shining through him!
I pray that the Lord will soothe the pain of your loss and that you can feel his loving arms holding you right now. Praise you Father God for allowing Dr. Workman to bring healing to so many while he was here on Earth. We will all see him again in heaven...Amen and thank you Jesus!
Virginia DeMarco
03/22/2015
you have my deepest sympathy .sending you both & your family my prayers & best wishes.