Douglas Carl Gulbrandson

Doug was born July 30, 1955, in Fergus Falls, Minnesota. He grew up in the Herman area and graduated from Herman High School in 1973, where he was a dedicated wrestler and an active member of the Future Farmers of America (FFA).

Doug lost his biological father, Zibe Danzeisen, at a young age in 1960. His mother, Mildred (Millie) Vipond later married Delner Gulbrandson, who adopted and raised Doug and his brother Kevin as his own. After graduation, Doug attended Moorhead Tech before returning home to farm with his dad.

He later began a long and dedicated career in trucking, hauling everything from corn to cattle, both locally and coast-to-coast. In 2005, Doug proudly purchased his own truck and trailer, becoming an owner-operator. He primarily worked during construction seasons as an independent hauler for Mark Sand and Gravel, hauling hot mix. He was just saying how this past summer was the most hours he had ever worked in a single season. Over the years, he formed many meaningful friendships, as many of the same owner-operators returned year after year and became like family.

On February 16, 1980, Doug married Sheryl Struck. Together they welcomed their daughter, Tanya Mae (Kellen) Gulbrandson, on May 18, 1981. Though the marriage later ended in divorce, Doug remained devoted to his family, and never hesitated to remind Tanya that she was his favorite — and only — daughter.

Doug will be remembered as kind, quiet, genuine, and caring. He found his greatest joy outdoors—deer and pheasant hunting, fishing trips to Canada, and snowmobiling, especially the many trips to Cooke City, Montana with friends. Doug enjoyed gathering with his friends to watch the Vikings games, always holding out hope they’d one day win the Super Bowl. He loved stopping at Dairy Queen for a Blizzard; strawberry was always his favorite.  Above all, he treasured attending his granddaughters’ sporting events and activities, proudly supporting Jadyn and Avery whenever he could.

He is survived by his daughter, Tanya (Ryan) Kellen of Norcross, MN; his granddaughters, Jadyn and Avery Kellen of Norcross, MN; his brother, Kevin (Monica) Gulbrandson of Fargo, ND; nieces and nephews: Kari (Derek) Miller of Wahpeton, ND and their children Braeden and Jordan (fiancé Jessa Selchert) of Fargo, ND; Angela (Mike) Elenberger and their children Cidnie and Carter of Milnor, ND; and Kyle (Amanda) Gulbrandson and their son Westen of Grand Forks, ND; along with extended family and many friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Millie and Delner Gulbrandson, and Zibe Danzeisen.

A Celebration of Life will be held Sunday, February 15, 2026, from 4:00–7:00 p.m. at the Herman Community Center in Herman. Burial will take place at Lakeside Cemetery, rural Herman, at a later date.

The family kindly requests that you dress casually, as Doug would have preferred—wearing your favorite Minnesota Vikings or Carhartt attire.

Doug’s family would like to thank their family and friends for the love and support shown over the past several challenging weeks.