“This I learned from the shadow of a tree. My influence may reach where I may never be.” ~ Letitia Northey Lawson Douglas Alan Pringnitz, 65, passed away on September 5, 2026, in Rochester, Minnesota, surrounded by family and leaving an influence of faithful legacy. He was born November 3, 1960, in Osage, Iowa, to Stanley and Eunice (Button) Pringnitz. The third of six children and oldest boy, Doug grew up on the farm with a competitive spirit, curious mind, and mischievous sense of fun. He was stubborn in the best ways. He graduated from Osage High School in 1979, where he wrestled and was active in 4-H and FFA, earning state and national recognition in Farm Business Management and Meats Judging.
Doug graduated from Iowa State University in 1983 with a degree in Agricultural Business. His years at Iowa State shaped his faith, leadership, and lifelong friendships, primarily through FarmHouse Fraternity, where he was initiated in 1981, served as President, and received the Doane Award in 1983. In later years, he found special joy in sharing Iowa State and FarmHouse with his three children, proudly watching them build their own enduring friendships and meaningful experiences as Cyclones.
Through FarmHouse connections and Ag Business classes, Doug met Nancy Northey in 1980. They married on November 19, 1983, after Doug had worked exactly six months in grain merchandising with AE Staley in Fostoria, Ohio, and could use his first week of vacation for their honeymoon. Doug and Nancy shared nearly 43 years as best friends, partners, and steady companions.
In 1985, Doug and Nancy moved to Spirit Lake, Iowa, to farm with Nancy’s father, Wayne Northey, the beginning of more than 35 years of partnership in grain and cattle. Doug loved cattle care, crop efficiencies, and the teamwork of harvest. After phasing out of feeding cattle, he focused on expanding the grain operation with this year marking his 41st crop. A longtime grower of Pioneer seed beans, Doug was also an early innovator in agricultural technologies, making the most of tools like yield monitors, grain carts “catching on the go,” and grid soil sampling. Careful with records and always learning, he took thoughtful risks and valued fair, lasting business relationships.
Family was the center of Doug’s life. He loved what his children loved—basketball, 4-H, ski trips, water sports, travel, Iowa State athletics, and time at the lake—and he and Nancy equipped them through faith, hard work, respect, gratitude, and generosity. He delighted in his grandchildren, taking them for Gator and combine rides, picking apples from trees he planted, and creating family surprises. “Last Day of School” parties to celebrate a year well done, creative gift-hiding places, expertly grilling Iowa steak or hamburgers for family and friends, and drives with Nancy were all part of his life. Doug took up bicycling in 2012 and loved the challenge and opportunity to bike with friends and family.
Doug lived with a steady faith in God and a deep love for community. He was active in agriculture, civic, and Iowa State circles, and served through church leadership, men’s groups, Awana, and community organizations. He began each morning reading aloud from his Bible to Nancy, spending this summer in the Psalms. Doug was a known problem solver, understated, strong, thoughtful, and kind. He had a great laugh, a genuine interest in others, and a gift for making people from all walks of life feel respected for their knowledge and encouraged in who they were. Doug had a quiet way of strengthening those around him and making every place better than he found it. With thankfulness for his blessings, Doug was a strong leader for his family, a lifelong companion to Nancy, and an enduring witness for all.
Doug is survived by his wife, Nancy of Spirit Lake, Iowa; children, Andy (Samantha) Pringnitz of Waukee, Iowa, Anna (Michael) Chalmers of Roseville, Minnesota, and Alex (Sierra) Pringnitz of Clive, Iowa; grandchildren, Lake, Crew, Ash, Colt, Oliver, Leila, and Theodore Douglas; mother, Eunice Pringnitz; siblings, Diane (Wayne) Budding, Kathy (Jim) Abens, Dick (Loni) Pringnitz, Scott (Deana) Pringnitz, and Wanda (Jim Nalley) Hoven; mother-in-law, Margaret Northey; sister-in-law, Cindy Northey; and many cousins, nieces, nephews, family, and friends.
He was preceded in death by his father, Stanley Pringnitz; father-in-law, Wayne Northey; and brother-in-law, Bill Northey.
A visitation will be held Friday, September 25, 2026, from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm at the Turner Jenness Funeral Home in Spirit Lake, Iowa. The funeral service will be held Saturday, September 26, 2026, at 10:30 a.m. at CrossWinds Church in Spirit Lake with lunch to follow. A private interment will take place at Lakeview Cemetery in Spirit Lake. A livestream for Doug’s service will be posted on the funeral home website.
Gifts in Doug’s memory may be directed to Lymphoma and Leukemia research through Blood Cancer United, your local hunger assistance program, or a charity of your choice.
Arrangements are under the care of Turner Jenness Funeral Home.
