Douglas Kaisler

Douglas J. Kaisler MILWUAKEE- Douglas J. Kaisler, 42, formerly of Racine, jumped into the arms of Jesus on Friday, September 21, with his family by his side. He was greeted in heaven by his father, Jerome, and his grandparents Joseph and Dolores, Alvin and Henrietta. Beloved husband of 18 years to Gina (nee: Junior), loving son of Norrine (Ken) Kaisler-Block, devoted son-in-law of Armando and Barbara Bras, supportive brother of Sarah (Mario) Bilotti and “dad” to his fur-son, Sammy the bulldog. Doug was the proud godfather of Jordan and the playful uncle of Michael, Lucas, Francesca, and Marissa. He treasured being a part of their lives. Doug will also be greatly missed by his many aunts, uncles, cousins, ten brothers and sisters-in-law, and myriad friends. His constant smile, sweet spirit, and positive nature touched everyone he met. After graduating from Shoreland Lutheran High School, Doug attended both Wisconsin Lutheran College and Oral Roberts University. He joined the Naval Reserves in 1990 and served during the Cuban/Haitian Refugee Crisis. He spent many years as a correctional officer before putting himself through the academy to pursue his dream of becoming a police officer. In 2000, he became a Racine police officer and proudly served until 2003 when the department retired his badge due to his illness. Doug’s life surrounded sports - he grew up bowling and playing basketball, football, and baseball. He was a pure homer – supporting all the teams from Wisconsin and fervently waited every year for March Madness. He was quite the card shark, playing Sheepshead every week, and spent many hours with his wife addicted to watching television and going to movies. In the past few years, Doug was grateful to be able to drive his VW Rabbit, attend college courses in mathematics, skydive, and travel extensively with his wife. He fulfilled many of his bucket list wishes! In lieu of flowers, please direct memorials to St. Jude’s Children Hospital (Doug felt strongly about supporting children) or to his family who would also ask that you remember Doug best by supporting brain tumor research to find a cure. All services will be held at Sturino Funeral Home in Racine. Visitation will be Friday from 5-8 PM and Saturday from 9 AM with a funeral service to begin at 10 AM. The family would like to express gratitude for the care and concern given to Doug by the nurses and doctors at Froedtert Hospital over the past 11 years as he battled his “stupid” brain tumor. Extra special thanks to Drs. Malkin, Mueller, Krouwer and nurses Linda Allen, and Renae O’Keefe. The love and hope you gave Doug shaped his positive attitude and enabled him to fight so bravely. A Symbol of Hope A butterfly lights beside us like a sunbeam And for a brief moment its glory and beauty belong to our world But then it flies again And though we wish it could have stayed... We feel blessed to have seen it.

Tributes

Douglas Kaisler

February 3, 1970 - September 21, 2012