Eric D. Douglass

Eric D. Douglass, age 67, of Ladysmith, passed away suddenly on Sunday, March 15, 2026, at his home.

Eric was born on January 20, 1959, in St. Louis, MO. Growing up, his family moved frequently, eventually settling in Shorewood, WI, where he met his wife, Kara. The couple moved to Ladysmith and were married Aug. 9th,1986, a date he dutifully remembered. Eric was the Dietary Manager for 30 yrs. at Rusk County Memorial Hospital and Nursing Home, and later Care and Rehab, until his retirement in 2015. Eric made the most of each day, enjoying numerous hobbies. He loved northern Wisconsin outdoors, a conservationist at heart. He loved hunting, fishing, trapping, taxidermy, camping, 4-wheeling, spending time at the Shack and making maple syrup, always with his labs by his side.

He was a gifted culinary professional. Every meal was a gourmet experience prepared with expert technique and artistic presentation. He made cooking look effortless, referring to few recipes which he tweaked to perfect the dish. In 45yrs. of marriage, he prepared every meal. Besides cooking and baking, he was busy gardening and canning. He constructed furniture often planing the boards from trees he grew. He was an enthusiastic coin collector. He treasured his 63 Chevy Impala which he remodeled himself. He delighted in going to Car Shows with his grandson and beamed proudly when he finally won a trophy!

Eric is survived by his wife Kara, their children Sarah Douglass, Rachael (Michael) Cormican, and Hannah Douglass, along with 2 grandchildren Roland and Eila, his father Byron Douglass, sisters Jane and Eve (Craig) Cahoon, niece Catherine and nephew Ryan (Willa) Cahoon and brothers-in-law Paul and Keith (Diana) Gressle. Eric is preceded in death by his mother, Peggy Douglass and brother John Douglass.

A Celebration of Life visitation will be held at Nash-Jackan Funeral Home in Ladysmith on Saturday, April 25, 2026, from 2:00-4:00 PM.

A complete obituary will also be published in the Ladysmith News.