Doug P. Sjoquist

Douglas Peter Sjoquist (born March 30, 1951 in Escanaba, Michigan) passed away at

Eaton Community Palliative Care peacefully on March 5, 2024. He is survived by his

dearest friend and wife, Jan, of Charlotte, MI, and his children: Jonah (Yoko) from

Brighton, MI, Mei-li (Nick) Restani from San Francisco, CA, Michelle (Mike) Erickson

from Grand Rapids, MI, and Stephanie (Dean) Leavitt from Charlotte, MI as well as his

two brothers and best friends, Paul (Annabelle) from Mililani, HI and Bill (Cathy) from

Gladstone, MI. He had several grandchildren including Kainoa, Kaleo, Novella, Alessio,

Alyssa, Maleia, Julia, Ethan, Elana, Collin, one great granddaughter, Freya, and one great

grandson, Eli.

He graduated from Northern Michigan University in 1974 and the University of

Hawai’i in 1979. Sjoquist was a professor at Bay de Noc Community College (1980-

81), Lansing Community College (1982-2015), and at Michigan State University (2008-

2020). He was a curious mind who enjoyed an active and rich lifestyle of traveling,

rockhounding, swimming/snorkeling, music, art, and writing on a variety of topics. He

was also a professional musician playing in various rock and country bands throughout most of

his life.

It is nearly impossible to sum up Doug’s influence on all who knew him, but former student,

Justin Parker Pool 1 came close:

“It has been about 25 years since I took his class, but I still remember him explaining with

wonder how the old Taoists would not mourn the dead, but rather parade down the street

in celebration of their life. It is with that sense of joy that I am thankful to have known

him as a teacher and friend. Sjoquist-Sensei’s kindness and joy for life will live on in all

of us who knew him”.

There will be no funeral service. In honoring his life, donations may be made to Doug’s

cause of spreading compassion and knowledge to Eaton Community Palliative Care, 2675 S. Cochran, Charlotte, MI 48813 or Friends of Charlotte Community Library, 226 S. Bostwick Street, Charlotte, MI 48813.

To view Doug’s obituary online or to leave a condolence for the family please visit www.burkhead-green-kilgo.com

The family is in the care of the Burkhead-Green-Kilgo Funeral Home.