Douglas Hamburg Obituary

Douglas Ray Hamburg

Loving Husband, Father, and Grandfather

Surrounded by his wife, son, and daughter, Douglas Ray Hamburg passed peacefully at his home in Bloomfield Hills, Michigan, on October 9, 2025, at the age of 91.

Born on March 2, 1934, in Detroit, Michigan, Doug was the son of Wesley and Hazel Hamburg. He graduated from the University of Michigan with both a Bachelor's and Master's degree in Electrical Engineering, where he was an active member of the Sigma Nu fraternity.

After graduation, Doug joined Bendix Corporation, where he met the love of his life, Theresa. They were married on May 21, 1960, and together they raised two children, sharing many cherished memories, including family vacations in Florida and later, cruises throughout the Caribbean. Doug and Terry enjoyed 46 years of marriage before her passing in January 2007.

In 1966, Doug began a long and successful career at Ford Motor Company, where he worked until his retirement in 1999. As a key member of the research department, Doug earned over 50 patents related to engine air/fuel control systems. His groundbreaking work earned him induction into the National Inventors Hall of Fame in 1996. Doug also shared his expertise by teaching night classes at Lawrence Technological University for many years, always eager to pass on his knowledge.

Doug's greatest joy was his family. He was a devoted father to Daniel and Kathleen (Stephen) Collin, a proud grandfather to Chase (Chelsay), Pierce (Delaney), and Laine Hamburg and Kayla (Howard) Steele and Haley Collin (Ethan Sendo) and a loving great-grandfather to John and Crew Hamburg, and Howard IV Steele. Doug was also the brother of the late Glen (the late Judy) and the late Jim (the late Joyce) Hamburg, and a cherished uncle to many nieces and nephews.

In 2007, Doug reconnected with his childhood classmate, Patricia, and they were married on August 16, 2008. Through this union, Doug became a stepfather to Larry and David Kell, and Janis (Chris) Foster, and a grandfather to Alyssa, Hanna, and Emma Kell and Christopher and Megan Foster.

Upon retirement, Doug's passion for engineering and design led him to build his dream home, which became a gathering place for family celebrations and memories. He was always busy with home projects, keeping both his hands and mind engaged.

Doug's legacy will live on in the hearts of his family and all who knew him. He was a man of integrity, kindness, and intellect, and he will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him.

Family suggests memorial donations to: The American Macular Degeneration Foundation (AMDF), PO Box 515

Northampton, MA 01061-0515. Macular.org.