Douglas Ervin Trytten, 69

Kiester – Douglas Ervin Trytten was born Feb. 20, 1954, in Wells, to Ervin S. and Delores J. Trytten. He passed from this world on Tuesday, July 11, 2023 at his home surrounded by loving family, after a long and courageous battle with leukemia.

Doug attended Kiester schools from kindergarten through 12th grade and earned a two-year degree at Riverland College.

Doug’s wish was to donate his body to Mayo Clinic for educational research and this wish was granted.

There will be a celebration of his life on Sunday, Sept. 17, 2023 at 2 p.m. at the Kee Theatre in Kiester. Doug will be laid to rest at a later date with a private family graveside service in the Walters cemetery.

Doug meant different things to so many people; he was a son, brother, cousin, uncle, and friend, but his proudest achievement was being a husband and father.

Doug married Dena G. Penny on Aug. 11, 1984, at the Penny Farm and with this union he became a father to Jon and Andy Biddle. On April 21, 1986, Jacob Trytten came along and made his family complete.

Doug wore many hats during his working years. The majority of these were in factory work involving quality control. He was a tech geek and showed interest in the latest computer, phone, T.V., video games and movie technologies. His love for movies inspired him to convince Dena to buy the Kee Theatre in 1986 and the couple ran it for almost five years until a group interested in keeping the theatre operating approached them with the idea of forming a non-profit. Doug became the main projectionist and continued in this position during and after the digital transition until shortly before his passing. He taught this skill to his son, Jacob, who continues to keep the movies running in honor of his dad.

Doug was an avid reader, movie enthusiast, sports nut, including watching the Twins and the Vikings and playing softball, town baseball, bowling and golf over the years. He hunted with his dad for nearly 60 years. He loved music and had many albums and CDs of various artists from Peter, Paul, and Mary and Neil Young to Led Zeppelin. He taught himself to play mandolin and guitar. Sports, movies, and news were almost always on in his home.

Doug was active in politics holding a seat on the city council and becoming Mayor of Kiester in 2014- 2018 and then again in 2022. He was very honored to hold this position and always wanted the best for his hometown. He was appointed to Region Nine Development Commission as a Commissioner in Faribault County in 2018 and then again in 2023 and was very proud to represent the area.

Many people described Doug as a gentle giant with the best hugs, handshakes, biggest smile, and an unforgettable laugh. He had a quick wit, a “Trytten” sense of humor and stories, oh the stories. When Doug met you, he would always try to find a connection and by the end of his visit, he would have found that you either knew someone he did, or you were related.

Doug touched many lives during his time on earth. Please keep remembering him by telling his stories and saying his name. Left to cherish his memory are his family: wife, Dena; sons, Andrew Biddle (Michelle), Jonathan Biddle (Stacy), Jacob Trytten; grandsons, Keenan Biddle, Caleb Biddle, and Liam Biddle; brother, Wes Trytten; brothers in-law, Dan Penny (significant other, Sara), Greg Penny, Tim Penny (Sandy), Mitch Penny, Joel Penny, and Troy Penny; nieces and nephews, Tia Sullivan (Mike), Jill Dennison (Bill), Ryan Trytten, Misty Schulte (Bart), Shawn Penny (Stacey), Stacey Penny Tarbert (Dylan), Kristina Rakoswki (Kris), Kim Penny-Thompson (Jeff), Marisa Penny Shilling, Jamie Penny (Terra), Joey Penny (Mary), Molly Penny-Johnson (Wes), Marcus Penny (Whitney), Elizabeth Penny, Joseph Penny; numerous great-nieces and nephews, cousins, aunts, uncles, friends and a special place in his heart for Kathy Trytten.

He was preceded in death by: parents, Ervin Trytten, Delores Trytten Harms, stepmom, Doris Trytten; brothers, Kevin and Bradley; mother-in-law, Donna Haukoos Penny; nephew, Brandon Penny; numerous aunts, uncles, grandparents, and friends.