Douglas F. Reed

Douglas F. Reed, 75, passed away unexpectedly at his Libertyville home on Saturday, July 13, 2024. He was born January 6, 1949, to Russell & Maree Reed in Hammond, IN and when he was 13 years old, the family moved to Munster, IN, where he was in the first graduating class from Munster High School in 1967. Doug graduated from Purdue University in 1971 with a degree in Chemistry and later received an MBA from the University of Chicago. He began his career immediately upon graduating from Purdue, working for GE and moved on to greener pastures working for Baxter Healthcare Fenwal Division. During Doug’s very successful career at Baxter he made life-long friendships and enjoyed an active social life. In 1978 Doug married Wendy Wilcox Smith and they had two sons, Nathan & Blake. His career led them to move several places before settling in Libertyville in 1996. He worked as a Project Manager for Abbott and then Hospira Pharmaceutical which became Pfizer Pharmaceutical. Upon retirement, Doug became an avid and skilled cyclist. A 30-mile bike ride was his desired distance along with clocking his speed, always trying to beat the time of his prior ride. Before the days of electric bikes, Doug would often ride with his cousin John Paul’s group, “South Placer Cyclists” out of CA for annual multi-day rides. They cycled through Washington, Idaho, Monterey and Jackson Hole to name a few and he also took 5 Trek Travel rides, even one through Europe. Doug was a man of many passions with music being at the top of the list. He attended more concerts than one can remember. A highlight was seeing Buddy Guy’s January shows at Legends, framing the autographed posters and ticket stubs for posterity. Doug always knew of some new group that he’d discover as he enjoyed being connected to the live music scene. Another passion was crewing on the sailboat of his dear friend, Ralph. Doug would always get at least a couple of scrapes & bruises during every sailing race, but that never dampened his love of the sport. Perhaps because the best part was sharing post-sailing craft beers, Silo pizza and camaraderie of his friends. Doug’s love of craft beers was impressive. He was a very particular about the hops used in IPA’s and was known to walk out of a restaurant if they did not serve an IPA to his liking. He was also known to plan vacations to visit various craft beer breweries no matter how far off the beaten path they were. His quest for knowledge, regardless of the subject, was insatiable. Doug is preceded by his parents. He is survived by his 2 sons, Nathan & Blake; his sister, Avis; a brother-in-law, Dewey and significant other, Jane. A visitation will begin at 12:00 p.m. followed by a service at 1:00 p.m. Wednesday, July 31, 2024, at Burnett-Dane Funeral Home, 120 W. Park Ave. in Libertyville. To view services virtually, please visit funeral home website for the livestream link beginning at 12:30 p.m. on Wednesday. For info: 847-362-3009 or share a memory at www.burnettdane.com.

Douglas F. Reed

January 6, 1949 - July 13, 2024