Douglas Craig Gulrud
September 15, 1947 – January 7, 2025

It is with great joy that we announce that Douglas Craig Gulrud, age 77, received his crown of life on January 7, 2025 after complications with COPD. Doug, as he preferred to be called, was surrounded by his loved ones at the time. Doug was born on September 15, 1947 in Dane County, Wisconsin to Arthur H. and Ardelle M. A. Gulrud.

Doug graduated from New Berlin High School in 1965. He attended the University of Wisconsin before joining the United States Navy in 1968 as a Submarine Sonar Technician. Doug was proud of the many fast attack submarines that he served on; the USS Sturgeon SSN-637, USS Los Angeles SSN-688, USS Birmingham SSN-695, and USS Albuquerque SSN-706. Doug earned a decorated career and retired in 1988 as Master Chief Petty Officer. He continued to serve the Navy as a civilian working for EG&G as a Systems Engineer/Analyst and AMSEC as a Technical Writer/Systems Analyst. In 2015, Doug retired from civilian employment and began volunteering with the SPCA and at Princess Anne Hospital. Doug was a member of the Fleet Reserve Association Branch 60 and Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 4809 where he held various leadership roles.

Doug was predeceased in death by his parents, brothers John and Brian, and his beloved wife Jocelyn M. Gulrud. Doug and Jocelyn were married on February 12, 1972 and welcomed four children; Julie Lynn, Michelle Ann, Mark Douglas, and Paul Joseph.

Doug’s many interests blessed the lives of family and friends. He spread the news of Jesus in a daily text message that included a Bible verse and a picture of a charismatic cat. One of his favorite pastimes was cheering for the Boston Red Sox and the Green Bay Packers. Doug would cruise around in a red 2012 Ford Mustang on his way to support his grandchildren at their various sporting events and extracurricular activities. Grandpa or Paw Paw, as he is known, could often be found enjoying birthday cake and laughing over shared jokes. Doug brightened the day of all who knew him with his kindness and sense of humor.

Doug is survived by many who love him Julie (Micky) Bailey and Ryan, Michelle (Matt) Jenkins and Emma and Madelyn, Mark Gulrud and Mark Jr., Kassadi, and Conar, Paul (Megann) Gulrud and Daryl, Emileigh, and Shelby, along with many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

A private family viewing will be held on Wednesday January 15 at 11am. In lieu of flowers, the family welcomes donations to the Virginia Beach SPCA or the National Multiple Sclerosis Society.

A church service will be held on Saturday January 18 at Resurrection Lutheran Church located at 916 Centerville Turnpike in Chesapeake, Virginia at 11am followed by a catered reception.

Doug’s final orders will take place at a later date with full military honors at Albert G. Horton, Jr. Memorial Cemetery. Doug will be accompanied by his beloved wife, Jocelyn, as they will be laid to rest together in their final service to our country and their family.