Douglas James Ploeser
Clarkstown High School Class of 1969
(who passed away January 18, 2007)

(note: Doug was the husband of classmate Jane Elizabeth Heller Ploeser who passed away February 12, 2005)


February 12, 2007

"[M]y brother in law, Doug Ploeser passed away last month at the age of 55. He had a massive heart attack, and as Jane, he passed away in his sleep.

Jane and Doug's ashes have been jointly scattered at their favorite place on this earth.The mingled ashes of Jane and Doug were scattered in their back yard, which is one big garden. They won a Phoenix award a few years back for the breathtaking beauty of the gardens especially since the garden was totally zero scape. Of course this way of thinking totally followed Jane from her passion of water conservation.

Last year while visiting one of my daughters in Phoenix, Doug took me on a bike trip to Payson, AZ. We visited the lot which he and Jane had purchased to build their retirement home. For the first time on a motorcycle I don't recommend a 2.5 hour trip. However, Doug, as usually, was very understanding as I held on to his belt to whole time.

I miss my sister so very much but feel a bit of calm knowing that they are with each other now.

Thanks so much for advising the class of Doug's passing."

Ann Heller
annlheller@gmail.com



Douglas J. Ploeser, 55, of Scottsdale and Flagstaff, passed away 1/18/2007. He was the son of William and Edna Ploeser and husband of Jane Heller Ploeser who predeceased him.

He taught at Desert Shadows Middle School from 1976 through 2006.

Survivors are his brothers Richard of Sun City and Donald of California and fiance Christine Hendrix of Flagstaff.

Memorial may be sent to the American Heart Association. Services are at Best Funeral Chapel, 9380 W. Peoria Ave. Peoria, Arizona, 85345 on Wednesday 1/24/2007 at 6:30 PM.

Published: The Arizona Republic, January 21, 2007.


The following are tributes remembering Doug:

January 26, 2007
"I am very sorry [to] hear of Doug Ploeser's death. I was a woodworking student of his at Desert Shadow's Middle School ('86-'87), and a big fan of his. He may be the reason I got a Bachelor's Degree at ASU many years later. I remember his as a person who was NEVER angry, and knew his way around a wood shop better than nearly anyone I've ever known." Paul Johnson (Phoenix, AZ).

January 25, 2007
"Mr. Ploeser truly was a great teacher, man, and most of all a great person! He was the most welcoming and kind person I've ever met." Ashley (Paradise Valley, AZ)

January 24, 2007
"I had the privilege of teaching with Doug at Desert Shadows from 1974-1980. We were the first Industrial Arts teachers at the school. I am deeply sadden by the news of Doug's passing, as all who knew him must be. He will hold a special place in my prayers and I will forever remember him as a friend and fellow teacher. He was a GOOD man." Michael Vasquez (Phoenix, AZ)

January 23, 2007
"My son, Brice Davis, and my daughter, Rachel Davis, had the privilege of having Mr. Ploeser as a teacher at Desert Shadows. We are all so sorry for your loss." Margo Valentine (Scottsdale, AZ)

January 21, 2007
"What a wonderful man!! He taught me, my daughter, my son and so many others. His legacy on this Earth will carry on forever. Our prayers are with the surviving family members." Debbie Sexauer (Scottsdale, AZ)

January 21, 2007
"Be Still
Be still like the grass on a melancholy summer day
Be still like desert shrub.
Be calm and you will hear your loved one speak, in the stillness, in the calm, their love resounds.
If you are still this promise I make, you will hear the voice of your loved one helping you along your way." Mary Jo West (Phoenix, AZ)

January 21, 2007
"Dear Chris and Doug's family, the loss of Doug this week was a shock to all, especially to his dear love, Christine. May God comfort you all and give you strength in this difficult time of loss and sorrow. Sincerest sympathy, Jean." Jean Tomes (Scottsdale, AZ)