Douglas Dale Ireland
August 21, 1941 — July 20, 2025
Douglas Dale Ireland, age 83, of Clive, Iowa, passed away peacefully at home on July 20, 2025, surrounded by his loving family after a long and courageous battle with Alzheimer’s.
Doug was born on August 21, 1941, in Omaha, Nebraska, to Dale and Mary Ireland. He grew up in Corning, Iowa—a place he fondly referred to as “God’s country.” Doug carried a lifelong devotion to his hometown, staying closely involved in numerous community projects. He served on the boards of the French Icarian Colony and the Corning Hotel, and was instrumental in helping restore the beloved American Movie Theater. A spontaneous drive down to Corning to visit old friends and stroll Main Street was one of his greatest joys.
Doug was a proud veteran, having served in the Iowa National Guard until his honorable discharge in 1965.
A natural leader and entrepreneur, Doug began his career with Capital Sanitary Supply in 1961 after graduating from AIB in Des Moines. Starting as an accountant, he quickly transitioned into sales and purchased the company in 1976. Under his leadership, Capital Sanitary expanded to include branches throughout Iowa and Nebraska. In 1992, Doug further grew his business ventures by becoming the franchisee of ChemStation of Iowa. Over the years, he founded several other companies, including DIAM Pest Control, NuBall Mfg, and Contract Specialties. In 1996, Doug was recognized as a finalist for the Ernst and Young Entrepreneur of the Year in the Iowa/Nebraska division.
Doug was widely respected in the janitorial and sanitation supply industry. He served on the Board of Directors of Standardized Sanitation Systems, a national commercial buying group. Throughout his tenure, he contributed to numerous committees and was ultimately named Chairman of the Board.
From the early 1970’s on, Doug was involved with the Breakfast Exchange Club where he built business relationships and made many lifelong friends. Doug was also deeply committed to giving back. He was an active member of Variety – the Children’s Charity of Iowa, dedicating many years to its mission by serving on the board and working tirelessly during its annual telethons to support children in need.
In 1968, Doug met and married the love of his life, Sheryl. They were introduced on a blind date in January and married nine months later on September 21, 1968. Together, they built a beautiful life and started their family with the arrival of their daughter Lynn, followed by sons Scott and Corey.
Doug and Sheryl shared a passion for travel, exploring the world hand in hand throughout their marriage. Together, they took memorable journeys across the Mediterranean, Italy, the Baltic Sea, Greece, Ireland, Australia and New Zealand. In celebration of their anniversaries, they often combined their love for golf with travel visiting legendary courses such as Pebble Beach, Harbour Town, and Bandon Dunes. Lifelong Green Bay Packers fans, they also cherished annual trips with friends to Lambeau Field. For twelve wonderful winters, Doug and Sheryl escaped the Iowa cold and enjoyed the sunshine in Naples, Florida – spending time walking with their dog Millie, relaxing by the pool, and golfing together.
Family was at the heart of everything Doug did. A devoted husband, father, and grandfather, he will be remembered for his quiet strength, warm wit, and unwavering love for those closest to him. Doug had a passion for golf and shared that love with his wife, children, grandchildren, and his Saturday morning foursome. He also had a lifelong affection for dogs, a bond that began in childhood and continued throughout his life.
Doug is survived by his beloved wife of 56 years, Sheryl; his children, Lynn (Kraig) Brose, Scott (Katie) Ireland, and Corey (Katie) Ireland; and his cherished grandchildren, Allie (Eric) Gerdes, Simone and Derek Brose, Abby, Gabe, and Lauren Ireland, and Jack, Wilson, and Brody Ireland. He was joyfully anticipating the arrival of his first great-grandchild this fall.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his sister, Helen; and his brother, Dennis.
Doug’s legacy lives on in the countless lives he touched with his generosity, wisdom, and gentle spirit. His memory will remain forever in the hearts of those who knew and loved him.
The family would like to extend their heartfelt thanks to Suncrest Hospice, and especially Doug’s nurse Tara, for her wonderful care and compassion throughout Doug’s time in hospice and during his final days at home.
A visitation will be held at Hamilton’s on Westown Parkway, 3601 Westown Parkway in West Des Moines on Monday, August 4, from 9:00 to 11:00 a.m., followed by a funeral service at 11:00 a.m. Interment will follow at Resthaven Cemetery in West Des Moines.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the 2025 Walk to End Alzheimer's - Des Moines, IA: Sheryl Ireland | Walk to End Alzheimer's in Doug’s memory.
James Murillo
07/30/2025
Sheryl, I wanted to take a minute to tell you how sorry I am for your loss. I wanted to tell you about the Doug I remembered. I met him for the first time when I was 10; my grandfather, Milton Garrett, worked with him as a salesman at Capital Sanitary Supply until his retirement. I met Doug again when I went to work at Andy's Pest Control (changed later to DIAM Pest Control). Doug and Arlo took a chance on a 20 year old kid and put me to work for 5 years. I left for 1.5 years and then was layer off. Doug put me to work in the warehouse and later let me manage it. I loved working for him at 70 College Avenue. When my grandfather passed away Doug went to his house and purchased all his tools and tool box to help out my grandmother. Doug would also visit my grandmother and bring her Ice Fo to make sure her deck and sidewalks were safe in the winter. Doug was always kind and generous to her and our family. My grandfather always said Doug made Capital Sanitary Supply. When he moved to the site he us at now, he gave me a tour when I stopped to purchase ice melt. He was very proud of the business. Doug will be missed very much!!