Douglas Wayne Koons

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Koons, Douglas Wayne 72, passed away unexpectedly on June 11, 2021 at his home in St. Paul, MN. He is survived by his beloved wife of 50 years, Jane Baker Koons, daughter Jenny, and brother Jim (Pat) Koons. He is also survived by a large local and global "deep well" of cherished friends. Doug was a tall man and his large laugh could fill a room; his gift of song could fill a sanctuary or concert hall as it did during his years at St. Olaf College and in church choirs. He was an art empath and his deep connection to the effects of visual art, theater, and music was a tonic for his spirit. Doug came from Sioux Falls, SD, but was at home in many places: as an English teacher in Kowloon, Hong Kong, as a Pastoral Intern at Lake Nokomis Lutheran Church, as a promoter of fine art as "daily nourishment" in his Minneapolis Douglas-Baker Gallery, as a board member working to sustain the ARC Retreat Center, and as the creator of an inter-Lutheran registry to showcase artists called Lutheran Arts. But it was his passion for helping others with Jane, through Lutheran Partners in Global Ministry (LPGM), which brought literacy and humanitarian support for thousands of children and adults in Tamil Nadu, India. For this and many other acts of compassion they received a St. Olaf College Distinguished Alumni Service Award in 2016. After their retirement, Doug and Jane lived for much of the year in Pondicherry, India, among many dear friends. Doug's wealth was measured by his rich abundance of generosity, dreams, and adventure and his life was guided by unwavering optimism and joy. Doug was a beloved spouse, father, friend, and devoted godfather to Jule. His absence will be mourned by the many he touched. The family requests that Doug's legacy be remembered with donations to the LPGM initiative named "New Library Books" at lpgm.org/…

Published on July 25, 2021