Douglas (Doug) Edward Tweeten, age 86 of Manhattan, passed away on October 21, 2024, supported by his dedicated and loving family. Survived by his devoted wife Diane (nee Cimesa) Tweeten of 61 years, children Christina "Tina" (Jeff) Heidrich of Oswego, IL, Lisa Tobias of Chicago, IL, and Eric Tweeten of Bloomington, IL, grandchildren Ethan Heidrich, Julian Heidrich, Sofie Heidrich, Jenna Tobias, and Alec Tobias, sister Christie (Jim) Fox and numerous nieces and nephews. Preceded in death by his parents Genard and Marguerite (nee Schmid) Tweeten and sister Marjolaine "Mimi" Taylor.

Doug was born in Devils Lake, North Dakota and spent his formative years there graduating from Oberon High School (home of the Bulldogs) where he was named "Mr. Charm", played on the baseball and basketball teams, performed in class plays and as a member of the chorus, served as co-editor of the yearbook, covered stories for the school newspaper, and represented the student body as class president. Doug completed his undergraduate work at the University of North Dakota and enjoyed college life as a fraternity member of Tau Kappa Epsilon. From there, he continued his education, earning a master's degree from the University of Missouri- Columbia. He later began post graduate studies on a scholarship funded by National Science Foundation (NSF) at The University of Oklahoma. Doug began his professional career teaching core sciences and math at William Wirt and Emerson High Schools in Gary, Indiana, before moving into the roles of professor, administrator, and eventually Vice President of Academic Affairs at South Suburban College (formerly Thornton Community College) from where he retired in 2003. Throughout his life Doug made numerous moves beginning as a North Dakota native then onto Gary, Indiana, where he met Diane, marrying December 14, 1963. After making their home in Gary for a few years, Doug and Diane relocated to Hazel Crest, Illinois, where they resided for nearly 23 years before moving to Manhattan, Illinois where he and Diane have lived for the past 30 years. Doug was a diehard fan of the Chicago Cubs, an avid birder and member of the Will County Chapter of the Illinois Audubon Society, dedicated Master Gardener and Master Naturalist with University of Illinois Extension, enthusiastic volunteer with Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie, Sunny Hill Nursing Home, and reliable citizen scientist with CoCoRaHS (Community Collaborative Rain, Hail, Snow Network), never missing a day of reporting daily precipitation. Doug had a passion for gardening and could often be found tending to and enjoying his yard and plants, sharing that passion with his grandchildren. His love of nature and the environment was a driving force behind many of his interests and endeavors, holding a special place for hummingbirds who often made visits to Doug and Diane's front door. Education played a significant role in his life and those around him, evident through his service on the board of Seton Academy Catholic Coeducational College Preparatory High School, South Holland, Illinois, his integral contributions to the creation of the not-for-profit Raising Today's Children, Homewood, Illinois, his significant donor support of multiple educational foundations and scholarships benefiting students in need of financial assistance at both South Suburban College (SSC) and University of Illinois Extension, and his dedication to and investment in the proposed SSC Allied Health & Nursing Center. Doug's commitment to his family, friends, the value of education, embracing life, having fun, recognizing the positive in any situation, making others know and feel valued and special, was and continues to be inspiring. Cherished husband, dad, Grandpa Doug, and friend to anyone he met, Doug will be missed by all who knew and loved him. The world is a better place because of him.

An Open House Celebrating the Life of Doug Tweeten will be held by the family, Sunday, November 10, 2024, from 1pm-5pm with remarks at 3pm, at Forsythe Gould Funeral Home, Manhattan, IL. In lieu of flowers, donations to establish a scholarship fund in Doug's name may be sent to Doug Tweeten Scholarship Fund c/o Edward Jones Investments, 9645 Lincolnway Lane, Suite #214a, Frankfort, IL 60423. Per Doug's wishes, cremation has been respectfully addressed. Arrangements entrusted to Forsythe Gould Funeral Home, 507 S. State St., Manhattan, IL 60442, 815-478-3321, www.forsythegouldfh.com.