Douglas S. McNiff, 60, of Preston, died Wednesday, Jan. 26, at Methodist Hospital in Rochester.

Douglas was born Nov. 20, 1950, in Austin — The son of Robert and Betty (Jorgenson) McNiff. He graduated from Austin High School in 1968 and married Cindy Dodge that same year.

The couple later divorced. He worked his entire life as a chef and worked at the Branding Iron in Preston for several years. He then owned Tony’s Pizza in Preston for eight years. He worked in Rochester and moved to International Falls and worked at Rainy Lake Lodge for 10 years. He ended his career at the Old Barn Resort of rural Preston in 2007.

He enjoyed woodworking, painting, golf — and of course — cooking.

Douglas is survived by his daughter: Michelle (Robert) McNiff, Rochester; son: Todd (Adrianne) McNiff, Mantorville; four grandchildren: Justin and A’lexus McNiff, Rochester and Lucas and Emily McNiff, Mantorville; great-granddaughter: Jadaven McNiff, Rochester; father: Robert; step-mother: Gen, Austin; brother: Jeff (Mary), Austin; step-brother: Eugene (Sherry ) Stern, Rochester; step-sister: Denise (Eldon) Kinneberg, Maxwell, Iowa; several nieces and nephews and dear friend Doreen of Preston.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Betty; brother Dennis; both patenral and maternal grandparents and one nephew.

A memorial mass was held Saturday, Jan. 29, at 11 a.m. at St. Columban’s Catholic Church in Preston with Rev. Patrick Arends officiating. Burial will be at a later date. His body has been cremated. Friends may call from 10 a.m. until service time at the church on Saturday. Online condolences may be left at thauwaldfuneralhomes.com.