Douglas Shaw, Longtime Healthcare Administrator From Lilydale, Dies at 83
Shaw, who led organizations across Minnesota's health industry and had lived with Alzheimer's for years, died October 16, and a memorial service is set for October 27 at Gloria Dei Lutheran Church in Saint Paul.
By Anna Nowak ·
Douglas Arthur Shaw, a Lilydale resident who spent his career in healthcare administration, died October 16, 2025, in Edina. He was 83. According to his obituary, published October 22, he had lived with Alzheimer's disease for a number of years.
Shaw was born March 23, 1942, in Detroit Lakes, Minnesota, and grew up in South Minneapolis. He graduated from Breck School in 1960, then earned a sociology degree at Colorado College. He later did graduate studies at the University of Minnesota and the University of California, Santa Barbara.
His working life was spent in healthcare administration, where he held leadership roles at Blue Cross and Blue Shield, the Minnesota Medical Association, the National Marrow Donor Program and Apple Valley Medical Center.
Along the way he met Lois, and the two were married in 1988. They were active members of Gloria Dei Lutheran Church in Saint Paul. Lois died in 2020. In the obituary, the family wrote that the couple are now reunited and can again enjoy each other's company while watching Gopher football, the latest PGA Tour event or riding in the sporty cars Shaw liked so much.
In retirement, Shaw spent several years enjoying the sun in Bonita Springs, Florida, before moving back to Minnesota full-time. Once home in the Twin Cities, he was an engaged grandparent who was always ready for a trip to Dairy Queen with the kids.
Lunches out were a highlight of those years. Whether he was dining alone, with relatives or with one of his many friends from Breck, Colorado College, Gloria Dei or the healthcare field, he rejoiced in the occasion. He was a regular at numerous area restaurants, but his favorites were Burger Moe's and Shamrocks in St. Paul. The family joked that bacon cheeseburgers and shrimp baskets must be on the menu in heaven.
Shaw was preceded in death by his wife, Lois, his father, Howard, and his mother, Mary Ann. He is survived by his son, Mike; daughter-in-law, Becky; grandchildren, Claire and Wes; brother, Bruce; sister-in-law, Sandy; and brother-in-law, David, and David's husband, John.
A memorial service will be held Monday, October 27, 2025, at 11 a.m. at Gloria Dei Lutheran Church in Saint Paul, with lunch to follow. The family has asked that memorial gifts go to the church in lieu of flowers. They also thanked his caregivers at Lilydale Senior Living, United Hospital, Allina Hospice and NC Little Hospice.
