Douglas John Freier, age 40, passed away December 1, 2025 in Lincoln, Nebraska, due to complications from a recent surgery. Doug was born on May 29, 1985, in Pierre, South Dakota, and was raised in Draper.

During his school years, Doug participated in a variety of activities including 4-H, cross country, track, football, theater, and ballet. He enjoyed watching the "Ernest Goes To..." movies and the Rocky films, which matched his sense of humor and reflected the determination and spirit that carried through many parts of this life. Not one to shy away from a challenge, he even campaigned to be the "Governor of South Dakota". He also assisted Darren Boyle in announcing the Jones County Invitational on the radio and became known as "Stat Master Doug". He was a dedicated Nebraska Cornhuskers fan and was inspired by the legacy of Lane Frost.

Doug graduated in 2004 from Jones County High School and attended South Dakota State University, with a focus in education. He briefly participated in amateur boxing but quickly learned it was unfortunately not the right fit after sustaining a concussion. In 2006, Doug moved to Custer and enrolled at Western Dakota Vo-Tech to become a firefighter. Doug valued learning through both formal schooling and personal experience.

On September 8, 2007, (9/8/7) he was united in marriage to Megan Kotz in Murdo. The couple later moved to Columbus, Nebraska, where Doug worked for Midwest Medical, Menards, and Common Wealth Electric. Their daughter, the light of his life, Brooklyn, was born in 2012 shortly before his military deployment.

Doug was deeply committed to military service and proudly served in the United States Navy Reserves with the Seabees for 16 years. He completed basic training at Great Lakes Naval Base in Illinois, followed by A-School at Sheppard Air Force Base in Wichita Falls, Texas, for Seabee Class “A” Technical School for Construction Electricians. While stationed there, Doug was fortunate to have his cousin Jesse on the same base. They met for lunch on Saturdays, a meaningful routine that offered companionship and eased the distance they felt from family during their training.

Doug was deployed to Afghanistan in 2013, where he served with dedication and professionalism. At the time of his passing, he remained an active reservist and had earned the rank of Construction Electrician First Class, CE1 (E6). In addition to his naval service, Doug was a long-standing member of the Draper Barrett-Dowling American Legion Post 301, where he valued fellowship and community service throughout his 16 years of membership.

After returning from deployment, Doug worked as a journeyman electrician for Commonwealth Electric in Lincoln. He was actively involved with IBEW Local 265 and took pride in his work and professional community.

Doug enjoyed rodeo and rode saddle broncs for several years. He had an unbreakable bond with his daughter, Brooklyn, who shared his love for horses and riding. Doug was very proud of her skills and cherished every moment they spent together with their horse, Sledge. He often talked about finding a second horse so the two of them could continue to ride side by side. Doug and Brooklyn created many meaningful memories together, from horseback riding to completing Tough Mudder events, and special family trips to Disney. He treasured these experiences and made every effort to make their time together memorable.

Doug also valued staying active and enjoyed fitness and weight-lifting. Friends and family frequently received his “Flex-Friday” photos, a simple reminder of his lighthearted nature and the way he tried to bring a smile to others. Doug had a strong sense of humor and was known for his dad jokes and fun-loving personality. He cherished time with his daughter, family, and many close friends.

Doug's legacy is carried on by his beloved daughter Brooklyn of Lincoln; her mother Megan Classen of Lincoln; his father Ray Freier (Darlene Carroll) of Draper; his mother Sharon Ferry of Pierre; his sister Stephanie (Brian) Williams of Piedmont; step-brothers Matt Ferry and Ben (Lauren) Ferry, of Washington, DC; his nieces and nephews Axel Williams, Amelia Ferry, and Paul and James Ferry; aunts and uncles Sharon Pietrus (Chuck) of Pierre, Randy Freier of Draper, Janice Whitney of Pierre, Linda Couch (Gary) of Paxton, Nebraska, Mike Whitney (June) of North Platte, NE, Diana Whitney of Valentine, NE, and Duane Parsley of Phoenix, AZ; special friend Clarissa Culver of Lincoln; and a host of other relatives and friends who were entertained and inspired by his adventurous spirit.

Doug was preceded in death by his paternal grandparents Alex and Jean Freier; his maternal grandparents David and Shirley Whitney; his step-father Dan Ferry; and his uncle Scott Whitney. His memory will continue to light up rooms and hearts, just as he did. His life was a testament to living fully, laughing often, and loving deeply.

Memorial services will be held 10:30 a.m. CST on Saturday, December 13, at the Draper Auditorium, with Pastor Ray Greenseth officiating.

Interment with military honors will be at a later date at the Black Hills National Cemetery near Sturgis.

Cards and memorials may be sent to P.O. Box 151 Draper, SD 57531.