He might be a passionate, diehard Steelers fan, but his family is always going to be his number one priority.
For Doug Gotwalt, there is nothing more important than his wife and daughter, and they both appreciate him very much for this. His wife Geri and daughter Sara know that everything Doug has ever done is for the good of their family, and they are both super grateful for this fact.
“I want to thank my dad for being so supportive throughout my childhood and while I have been in college,” Sara said. “His constant reminders to never give up and to never stop reaching for my goals inspired me to go to Penn State (he also went to Penn State). He has taught me to always have a busy life filled with working out, watching sports and working hard in school to reach my future goals.”
If you had to narrow down who Doug truly is in just two traits, it would be drive and encouragement.
Doug’s drive has taken him very far in life. He is an extremely hard and dedicated worker, and that is evidenced by his position as a plant manager.
He is also very encouraging to the people all around him. He lifts others up and helps push people to reach their goals.
Doug is also very patient in many ways, and he is never afraid to try new things. He is a sense of motivation to his wife and daughter too, and the way he is always there for them in particular is truly inspiring.
“He is a compassionate father and husband,” Geri said. “He is very encouraging and keeps us all motivated toward anything in life.”
As mentioned before, this motivation helped Sara in deciding to keep the family legacy going in terms of schooling, as they are both Nittany Lions. At the same time, Doug just makes sure his family knows they will always have his support. He makes sure to push them toward their goals and dreams too, as he knows you can achieve anything you set your mind to.
“He is dependable,” Geri said. “ He was always involved in Sara’s sports growing up, he’s compassionate and he always had high goals for Sara and pushes her to be her best.”
Having a father who wants what is best for you and who helps bring out the best in you is a father worth standing by. Sara realizes just how special his love is for her, and she is grateful to always have his loving support.
Sara knows she could not do it without her father constantly being in her corner.
“Your involvement in watching me run cross country and track throughout high school made you a good father,” Sara said. “I knew I could always count on you being there for me and could hear you screaming from the stands.”
Doug is his daughter’s number one cheerleader, and this is not something she took for granted. She realizes just how much he loves her, and she knows his unconditional support is rare in today’s day and age.
“He was always pushing me to never give up and reach for the stars because I can do anything in life if I have enough determination and drive,” Sara said.
Sara looks up to Doug as a role model in her life, and that is because of the amazing father he is. It is also because of the amazing husband he is to her mom, as she knows Doug treats Geri right.
Doug loves his wife so much, just as he loves his daughter so much, and on top of that he has a great overall personality. He is a wonderful friend to many, and everyone who knows him knows they have a cherishable friend in Doug.
Plus Doug makes life pretty memorable and enjoyable for everyone.
“He is a funny, outgoing person who is a friend to everyone,” Geri said. “He knows how to make everyone smile and laugh.”
“I am always and constantly laughing when I am home,” Sara added. “You are the funniest person I know… thank you for all the laughs!”
Sara and Geri appreciate Doug a whole lot, and with very good reason. He makes their lives special and he makes them both feel like the most important people in the room.
Doug is a wonderful father, husband, friend and everything in between, and he is the patriarch of the Gotwalt clan. He is wonderful and he is cherished and loved beyond belief.
“I want him to know that I have learned so much from our conversations, and he has really helped shape me into the person I am today. Dad, without your wisdom and guidance, I would be lost. I am so grateful that I have you as my dad!” – Sara
