Douglas Dierenfield

Doug Dierenfield, a loving and devoted husband, father, grandfather and friend passed away November 8, 2026, with his family by his side after a long battle with a progressive illness.  Doug’s life was built and lived out based on his foundational faith in the Lord.  He was an active member of the Catholic Church where he served and attended faithfully.  Our family finds peace knowing he is now resting in the arms of Jesus where we will be reunited again.

Doug was born in 1943 to Clem & Carol Dierenfield in Worden, MT, where he was raised and graduated from Huntley Project High School in 1961.  This is where his love of sports began and continued throughout his life.  He was a multi-sport athlete for the Red Devils and proudly held the State Class B discus record for many years.  Doug played football for Eastern Montana College and graduated in 1966 with a degree in education.  In August of 1963, he married his high school sweetheart, Donna Pierce, in Pompey’s Pillar. 

Their 63 years of marriage would start with his career in coaching and teaching in Sidney, Plentywood and Cut Bank. Darcy and Dawn were born in this chapter in Plentywood.  He then took his family to Glasgow where his football career highlight was the 1976 Undefeated State Champion Glasgow Scotties.  David and Dyan would be born in this chapter.  Many of their special friends and family connections came from this stop in Glasgow.  A recent quote from a former player sums this up.  “Doug had a gigantic effect on a whole lot of students and athletes.  I am fortunate to have been part of Doug’s classroom on and off the field.  He always had great respect for us, and it was mutual for all the players and students.  Big “D” will forever be in our hearts and memories.”  Doug’s final move was to Billings where he was the head football coach for Billings West High Bears.  He completed his athletics career at Rocky Mountain College as the AD and Head Football Coach.  Doug was a referee as well.  He was selected to officiate many state tournaments and honored as a member of the MOA Hall of Fame.  He would often remind people that “Santa wore stripes.”

He transitioned from education to entrepreneur with real estate, Universal Athletics and finally purchasing Universal Awards in 1986.  He retired in 2012.  He was a pivotal member of the Midland Roundtable.  He was proud to help select the MT WY All Star basketball teams and create and run the Top Ten Track Meet.    During his early years of retirement, he was involved with the St. Pius Parish Council, the Backpack Program, and CASA.

He was passionate about many things in life.  His wife, his children, his grandchildren and his Harley trips to Sturgis.   Vacationing with his wife to Super Bowls, following his beloved Denver Broncos and Montana Grizzlies, were the highlights of his life as a devoted husband.  His chapter as PAPA would begin in 1997.  He was extremely proud of his 12 grandchildren.  He purchased a boat so he could treat the family to annual Seeley Lake vacations.  He took them all for many cherished rides to God’s Country (The Project) in his “Peekup,” as well as countless trips to the fair, sporting events, and the lake.   Everything he did in life was for his wife, children and his grandchildren.  He had many titles during his journey, most cherished by Doug, was the title of PAPA.

Doug is preceded in death by his parents, sisters, Dollie and Clarice, and his brother Clem Jr.  He is survived by his wife of 63 years, Donna; his four children, Darcy (Steve), Dawn (Dan), David (Lonna), and Dyan (Kory); his twelve grandchildren, Morgan, Olivia, Troy, Blake, Tyler, Nick, Julia, Nathan (Kendra), Connor, Ellie, Ryan and Paige.

We would like to thank Riverstone Hospice and Cornerstone Caregiving for their amazing care and support to Doug and his family.

Funeral Mass will be held on Friday, November 13, 2026, at 11:00 am, at St. Pius X Catholic Church.

In lieu of flowers, please send any donations to Riverstone Hospice or St. Pius X Church.