Douglas E. Haseltine

Douglas E. Haseltine, age 90 of Forest Lake, Minnesota, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, September 29, 2026, leaving behind a legacy of faith, family, love and encouragement that will continue through the many lives he touched.

Doug was born on June 16, 1936, in Barron, Wisconsin, the son of Earl and Alda (Emerson) Haseltine. He grew up in Barron and graduated from Barron High School. Following graduation, Doug proudly enlisted in the United States Army and served his country. While stationed in Massachusetts, he was given leave and attended a dance. He arrived with one date in mind, but everything changed when he caught sight of a young woman named Annette Roy. His date simply could not compare. It was love at first sight for both of them. Doug began writing Annette letters, and after he was honorably discharged from the Army, the two were united in marriage on April 26, 1958.

Doug and Annette, affectionately known as Annie, began their life together in South St. Paul, Minnesota, where they raised their family. In 1974, they made their home in Forest Lake, a community that would become such an important part of their lives.

For 15 years, Doug worked as a self-employed contractor doing stucco and plaster work. But his life's work would eventually take him in a different direction. One day, Doug told Annie that he felt the Lord was calling their family to start a church. They prayed about it together, listened to where they believed God was leading them, and in 1981, they opened their basement to 18 other believers. What began as a small gathering in the Haseltine home grew over the years into what is now Maranatha Church in Forest Lake.

Doug's faith was never simply something he talked about; it was something he lived. He had a natural ability to encourage others, make people feel welcome and share his joy wherever he went. He loved to sing—and he wasn't afraid to sing to anyone, even complete strangers. His faith, his voice and his willingness to encourage others became part of the gift he gave to the people around him.

Doug also had a deep love for the outdoors, especially deer hunting. Fall was one of his favorite times of the year, and hunting season was something he looked forward to with great anticipation. For Doug, those days were about more than the hunt. They were about being outdoors, enjoying God's creation, sharing time with others and making memories.

Above all else, Doug cherished his family. He and Annie built a life together that spanned more than 68 years, and their family grew to include four sons, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren. His love for them was evident, and the lessons he taught, the faith he shared and the encouragement he offered will continue through the generations.

At Doug's 90th birthday celebration this past June, he made his wishes very clear. Surrounded by the people he loved, he told his family that this was the celebration of his life that he wanted. He did not want a formal service when his earthly life came to an end. He had already been given what mattered most: the opportunity to be surrounded by his family, to hear their words, to see their faces and to know for himself just how deeply he was loved and how much his life had impacted others.

And so, his family will honor those wishes.

Doug will be laid to rest in a private family graveside service this fall at Fort Snelling National Cemetery. The family plans to choose a date that doesn't interfere with hunting season—just as Doug would have wanted.

Doug will be deeply missed by his beloved wife, Annie; sons, Mike (Orleen) Haseltine, Kevin (Suzanne) Haseltine, Tom (Melissa) Haseltine and Chad (Melissa) Haseltine; 14 grandchildren; 24 great-grandchildren; two great-great-grandchildren; brother, Eldon Haseltine; along with many nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Earl and Alda Haseltine; and siblings, Betty Lou Morton, Charles Haseltine, Shirley Hunt and Frances Olson.

Doug leaves behind much more than memories. He leaves a family who knew they were loved, a church that grew from a gathering in his basement, generations shaped by his faith, and countless people who were encouraged simply because Doug took the time to see them, talk to them, sing to them or remind them that they mattered.

His life was a gift. His faith was his foundation. His family was his greatest joy. And his legacy will live on in all those who were blessed to know him.