(Service recording will be published a couple of hours after the service.)

Douglas Leo Cahoy, 71, passed into the arms of his loving Savior Jesus Christ early Saturday, May 9, 2026, at his home with his wife, Lora, beside him.

Doug was born in Armour, SD, on 9/17/1954 to Leo and Dorothy Cahoy. His first year he lived with his mother at his grandfather and grandmother Cahoy’s farm near Geddes, SD, as Leo was stationed in Germany.

He grew up on his parent’s dairy farm near Geddes. His brothers, Dennis and Gary, were added to the family. It was a wonderful childhood chasing around the farm and creating all sorts of mischief with his brothers and cousins. Sundays were family times with his grandparents. Doug attended country school and then Geddes High School. He excelled in his classes, played trombone and piano. He was active in FFA, drama, performed vocal and trombone solos, and All-State Chorus. He graduated in May 1972. In June, he went to Rapid City and attended National College of Business. He earned an associate degree in accounting. He then enlisted in the U.S. Air Force in June 1975, trained in Avionics. Doug was honorably discharged as Airman 1st Class in March of 1977. He returned to NCB and graduated Magna Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting and Business Administration in May 1979.

He joined Ketel, Thorstenson, CPA’s and shortly thereafter received his Certified Public Accountant License.

On August 2, 1980, he married Lora Peterson in Rapid City. They had known each other while at NCB attending many of the same classes. Their daughter, Jessica, was born in 1983. In June 1985, the family moved to Spearfish and Doug went to work for North Central Health Services in the accounting department. Aaron was born in June 1986 and Adam followed in September 1990.

Doug decided to return to public accounting and joined Phil Zacher in Rapid City, forming Zacher and Cahoy, CPAs in 1992. The family remained in Spearfish and Doug commuted. After Phil retired in 2002, Doug returned to Ketel, Thorstenson with many of his clients choosing to remain with him. Doug always strove to do his best for his clients and the firm. At the time of his retirement, in the Fall of 2021, he was the Tax Department Manager.

Doug was a wonderful, loving, husband, and father. The kids grew up hiking, camping (when Dad says, “throw me a tent stake”, he means walk it over to me), exploring Spearfish Canyon, target shooting, and archery. There was always a picnic basket ready for Roughlock Falls or on the family room floor with a movie. Lora planned family “end of tax season” parties to surprise Doug. There was always a theme. One year the kids picketed in the living room to end tax season. Once he drove through streamers to park in the garage. Another time, the kids served his favorite meal dressed as fancy waiters. Doug attended Jessica’s swim meets through high school, soccer, baseball, and BMX racing with Aaron and Adam. Doug was proud to see Jessica become a pharmacist and Adam earn his engineering degree. As a veteran, he was privileged to pin Aaron with his infantry cross rifles upon graduation from U.S. Army Basic Training and Airborne School. After retiring, he became Aaron and Adam’s hands-on CPA as they began their new business.

Doug was happy to add son-in-law, Jeremy and daughter-in-law, Alyssa to the family. He and Lora were overjoyed when grandchildren came along. Once again, he was attending swim meets and archery shoots, this time as a cheering Grandpa. Chasing Elijah on his bike down Lourie Lane brought back memories of doing the same with Adam and Aaron. Doug enjoyed sitting on the patio watching the grandkids play in the backyard and swing on the same set he had built for his own children.

Doug was diagnosed with myelodysplastic syndrome in February 2024. After treatment no longer helped and he progressed to acute leukemia, we were grateful for every birthday, holiday, and family gathering. He gave a good fight but on his terms. The Lord blessed Doug with more time than we’d hoped for, but it wasn’t enough.

Doug was a man of strong faith in the Lord. He taught Sunday School, sang in the choir, and led Men’s Bible Study groups. He attended many theological seminars earning additional religious education. With the high risk from infection, he no longer led his Bible Study but continued preparing the lessons for the new leader. A few months ago, it became difficult to prepare the study, and he handed the group over, very grateful that the men would continue to meet. The group was very important to him.

Doug was preceded in death by his mother, grandparents, uncles, and aunts. He is survived by his wife, Lora, children Jessica (Jeremy) Kroon, grandchildren Lydia, Lawson, and Lucas; Aaron, Adam (Alyssa), grandson Elijah, his father Leo, brother Gary (Sandy) and family, Dennis (Billie) and family, Tara and Mike Madsen, Tana and Floyd Johnson, and numerous cousins and aunts.

The family thanks all the doctors, nurses, and staff for their wonderful care. Also, our family, friends and faith community for their love, prayers, and support.

Doug loved the Lord, dearly loved his family and leaves cherished memories. He was a kind, quiet, thoughtful man who filled our world with light and love. We will never forget him and will love him forever. Doug was a good man.

Visitation will be held from 4:00PM – 6:00 PM Monday, May 18, 2026, at Fidler-Isburg Funeral Chapel. Services will be held at 2:00PM, Tuesday, May 19, 2026, at Fidler-Isburg Funeral Chapel.

Arrangements were under the care of Fidler-Isburg Funeral Chapel & Isburg Crematory of Spearfish. Online condolences may be written at https://www.fidler-isburgfuneralchapels.com/