Douglas E. Alfstad of Devils Lake, ND, passed away peacefully at HIA Heather’s House Hospice in Fargo, ND on Friday, January 2, 2026, at the age of 56 years.
There was an open house gathering of family and friends on Jan. 10, 2026, at the Gilbertson Funeral Home, Devils Lake from 10:00 a.m. until 12:00 noon with burial in the Devils Lake Cemetery at 12:30 p.m.
Douglas Eugene Alfstad, son of Dennis E. and Dorothy A. (Zacher) Alfstad was born on Oct. 4, 1969, in Devils Lake, ND. He grew up here and spent most of his life in the Lake Region. He attended St. Joseph’s School, Minne H Elementary School and graduated from Central High School with the class of 1988. While in high school, Doug participated in sports including being a valuable member of the varsity wrestling team. While in high school he made several lifelong friendships.
After high school he continued his education at Lake Region Junior College and for a short time at UND. He held a variety of jobs in Devils Lake including several years at Schwan Wholesale and many years at Bjornson’s where he was employed at the time of his death. He also worked in Colorado for a time.
Doug’s most difficult but most rewarding job was being the caregiver for his Dad for seven years before Dennis passed in 2022.
Doug loved to hunt, especially deer and pheasant. He knew his guns inside and out as he was known to take them apart and enjoy the challenge of putting them back together. He and his Dad had quite the shell collection too. They spent many hours together reloading shells as part of the preparation for a day of hunting. He took pride in being a good hunter spending many hours at target shooting.
Doug, the hunter, a gruff soul with a weather‑worn edge, still carried a tight circle of loyal friends and precious family who knew the warmth beneath the bark.
Doug is survived by his brother Darin “Rabbit” Alfstad of Glenwood Springs, Colorado; daughter Shelby Rose Leaf Bellile; uncle Ron (Ingrid) Alfstad; aunts Carol “Blondie” (Bob) Grad and Gladys Kuntz and many dear cousins and good friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents, brother Deon Lee Alfstad, and other dear family.
