Douglas “Doug” Arthur Morkert

Douglas “Doug” Arthur Morkert was born on April 3, 1942, in Grand Island, NE, to Carroll and Vera (Mills) Morkert. He passed away on March 17, 2025, at Midlands Living Center, surrounded by his loved ones.

At the age of 17, Doug joined the U.S. Navy, where he served as a Petty Officer Second Class at the U.S. Naval Air Station. He was a turret gunner on the Havoc, flying reconnaissance and nighttime missions.

Following his military service, Doug spent several years in Fairbanks, Alaska, building homes working in the family construction business, J&J Construction. After returning to Omaha, he joined Kiewit Construction before dedicating over 40 years to the Methodist Hospital Network, where he served as the esteemed Maintenance Director, ensuring the hospital’s operations ran smoothly and efficiently.

He was deeply passionate about music, performing as both a vocalist and bassist in his bands, The Moonlighters and The Country Drifters. His passion for music took him to Nashville, TN, where he had the opportunity to meet Waylon Jennings, Johnny Paycheck, and Willie Nelson while trying out for the Grand Ole Opry.

Doug is survived by his devoted brother, Dan (Gilda) Morkert, of Underwood, Iowa and a large, loving family of nieces and nephews: Yvonne, Noah, Brandon, Hunter, Hailey, Tamra, Deb, Chris, Domenic, DeLaney, Melinda, Kay, and Eugene, as well as numerous great-nieces and great-nephews who will always cherish his memory.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Audrey (Krabbe) Morkert; his siblings, Truman (Lois) Morkert and Judy (the late Mike) Marohn; his parents and his beloved fur child, Wolfie.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Doug’s name to Town and Country Animal Rescue of Papillion, Nebraska. Doug had a deep love for animals and shared his life with many cherished pets over the years.

https://townandcountryanimalrescue.org/donate

MEMORIAL SERVICE:  1:00 PM, Thursday, April 3, 2025 at Heafey Hoffmann Dworak and Cutler, West Center Chapel.  Interment 3:30 PM at Omaha National Cemetery.