In Loving Memory
Douglas "Bear" Royster
February 22, 1947 - January 10, 2016

VISITATION
Thursday, January 14, 2016
4:00 - 8:00 P.M.
Martin-Mattice Funeral Home
Ruthven, Iowa

SERVICE
Friday, January 15, 2106
10:30 A.M.
Martin-Mattice Funeral Home

CLERGY
Rev. Tom Summerfield
Zion Lutheran Church
Ruthven, Iowa

MUSIC
Amazing Grace

Douglas "Bear" Dwaine Royster was born February 22, 1947 to Clyde and Anna (Willardson) Royster. Growing up he lived in rural Lehigh, Iowa. His early years of adulthood were spent trucking and helping his dad farm.

Bear met Dena, the love of his life and partner for thirty nine years, in Fort Dodge, Iowa, at which time he became dad to Scott, Jaime, and Dustie. They moved to Ruthven, Iowa to settle down and raise their family together. They were blessed with their fourth child Samie in 1982. Bear worked a variety of jobs including working as a hired hand for Bruce Ruehle and Phil Currans. He also was employed at the Farmers Co-op Elevator, where he met many individuals who became good lifelong friends. In Bear's late years he became an owner/operator for Doug Royster Trucking, which he continued to operate until present.

He was an avid fan of antique tractor pulls, traveling as far as North Dakota to compete. He was proud of the many trophies that he won during these competitions. In his free time he enjoyed camping, fishing, gardening, assisting Gary Garrelts during fall corn harvest, teasing his grandkids, and playing Black Jack at the casino.
Bear had an amazing sense of humor, enjoyed teasing people, loved morning coffee time with his buddies, was neighborly, kind hearted, generous, and thoughtful.

Bear passed away Sunday, January 10, 2016, at Avera Heart Hospital in Sioux Falls, after experiencing unexpected complications from surgery. He was preceded in death by his father, Clyde; mother, Anna; and a brother, Robert.

He is survived by his sister, Marie; his loving life partner, Dena; his children, Scott (Stephanie) and their children Mary and Storm, Jaime (Bill) and their children, Gavin and Mattea, Dustie (Josh) and their children, Caleb and Aubrie, and Samie (Joel) and their children, Shea, Parker, Colton and Jasmine. Bear is also survived by his many friends.

Arrangements by Martin-Mattice Funeral Home