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Forever in the Hearts They Leave Behind

Dogan Comez

November 21, 1955 – June 7, 2025


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With broken hearts and deepest sorrow, we announce the passing of Dr. Dogan Comez. Dogan was born November 21st, 1955, in the outskirts of Ankara, Turkey to a family of humble means and hardworking values. He worked many jobs, including in a local cinema, making and selling sleds to help his family while he was going to school.
Dogan’s mental and physical excellence then propelled him to the Air Force Academy from ages of 14 to 21. He proudly served in the Turkish Air Force flying NATO missions as a F-5 fighter pilot, an endeavor he was very proud of and talked about frequently to close friends and family. Dogan also participated in skydiving while in the Turkish Air Force, an experience he really enjoyed.
His dedication to serve opened up a world of opportunity with the Air Force Academy as he advanced to finishing an accelerated Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in mathematics at Middle East Technical University (METU). While at university, Dogan was running track competitively, skiing, mountain climbing and he was involved in many cultural activities.
After graduating with his master’s degree, he obtained a full scholarship to the University of Toronto, Canada where he pursued his dreams and passion for mathematics, subsequently earning his Ph.D. in 1983. While at UFT, he was very active in cultural activities including Turkish folk dancing; he continued to enjoy running and cross-country skiing. While in school, Dogan met many lifelong friends, including his best friend and the love of his life, Dana Gulej.
A dear friend of his suggested he consider an assistant professor position at North Dakota State University. This led him and Dana to move to Fargo, North Dakota, which would become their home for nearly 40 years. They had their first son Deniz in 1991, and then shortly after returned back to Turkey for a sabbatical. Upon returning to the United States, Dogan and Dana bought their home in North Fargo and had their second son Alexander in 1997. Dogan raised his sons with values of hard work, integrity, thrift, citizenship and so much more. He was also a dedicated soccer coach as well as a family man, friend and grandfather.
Dogan won many awards for his excellence in teaching and research, including the prestigious Robert Odney award in 2007 and the Distinguished Educator Award by the Blue Key Honor Society in 2016. Additionally, he founded GraSUS and also organized Sonya Kovaelvski Mathematics Day. He was a fine mentor for his multiple Ph.D students, chair of the department of mathematics twice, president of the NDSU senate (2008-09), referee for the National Science Foundation and published many research papers. Dogan also taught courses at the Governor’s school for advanced high school math students. He served on many committees at NDSU and was heavily involved in the governance and wellbeing of the university.
Dogan was a true Renaissance man whose intellect was boundless, not only in mathematics and science, but chess, geology, astronomy, history, geography, political science, music, poetry and literature. Dogan had also had a deep love of wine and sharing a drink with good company, often using his famous ironic toast: “May this be the worst day of our lives!”. He and Dana met even more friends at this point in life, many of whom he was very close with. Dogan loved to travel with his friends and family, making several trips to Turkey, the United Kingdom, Czech Republic, Holland, France, Slovakia, Bulgaria, Israel, Cyprus, Mexico, Chile, Vietnam, Thailand and all over the United States. Dogan deeply enjoyed spending time in nature, and loved to hike, camp and do rock climbing with his sons and friends. He was a humanitarian by heart, who had profound empathy for poor and marginalized communities.
Dogan will be remembered as a dedicated and exemplary husband, father, grandfather, colleague, educator and citizen. Dogan is survived by his wife Dana, older son Deniz, daughter-in-law Jaime, younger son Alexander, and his grandchildren Ari and Luna. His dedication and love for his grandchildren was immense; he spent lots of quality time with them. He had a reputation for having a tireless work ethic, strong sense of right and wrong, and so many other solid traits of a leader with deep integrity and honor. He motivated many and cherished his time as a mentor. As a family, we are so very proud of his life and legacy. While heart issues might have ended his life abruptly, his actions, values and vigor inspires us, and we know it is our duty to live according to his values and do what would make Dogan proud. There are no words we can say to describe our grief, there are no words to say how many lives he touched and how proud we are of his honorable life. At this time, we are tentatively planning a memorial service in late September 2025, our family very much appreciates your thoughts and goodwill.

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  1. Pia says:

    My condolences to Dana and the rest of the family. So sorry for your loss, may he rest in peace.

  2. Frederik Haring says:

    Dogan will be greatly missed. Such a wonderful father and friend to our family. I recall when he told us about meeting Dana. Huge Condolences Sincerely The Haring Family

  3. Kay krupa says:

    At a Slovak picnic a few years ago Dogan and Dana and Ted and Kat were dancing the Czardas in a circle and they asked me to join them. I was honored to meet Dogan then and he was a lovely man.
    Dana please accept my deepest sympathy to you and your family.

  4. Nimet and Bora Inceoglu says:

    Our deepest condolences Dana, Deniz, Alex and Jaime. Dogan was an amazing human being. We will miss him greatly. His talk of fine wines, his mathematics, his interest in everything and everyone. He left us too early.

  5. Tuval Foguel says:

    My deepest condolences to Dana and the entire family. I’m so sorry for your loss—may he rest in peace.

  6. Katarina Gulej says:

    A true Renaissance man for sure with talents and strengths in so many areas. He will greatly be missed by all of his family, friends and colleagues, but will remain in our hearts forever! 💕 Unfortunately, gone too soon! We love you Dogan!

  7. Lisa and Greg says:

    We loved Dogan. We will miss him and always here the echos of “May this be the worst day of our lives.” Cheers mate friend. And love to you, Dana and family. ❤️🍷

  8. Tanya, Evren & Esena Akyuz says:

    My heart goes out to all of you. Doğan was such an amazing friend to all of us and welcomed us into the Fargo Turkish community with open arms. We grateful to both of you for that. He will remain in our hearts always.

  9. Hella and Michael says:

    Our hearts will never heal from the loss of Dogan but we will everyday be comforted by our cherished memories of him and Dana, and the boys as well as the tight-knit NDSU math community that he loved and loved him back harder! May we drink grape juice in his honor, always. May his memory be a blessing. –the Cohens

  10. Dana Kusnir says:

    Dear Danka and family, my deepest condolences, I am so sorry for your loss. Thinking of you, you are in my heart during this difficult times.

  11. Julie and Bill Eikamp says:

    Dana, Deniz, Jamie, and Alex,
    There are no words to describe the loss Bill and I feel about Dogan’s passing. He was a true friend, one who always made us feel welcome and important. After having known Dogan for over 40 years, I feel a hole in my soul because of his passing. He was such a good, caring, wonderful friend and person. Although we always had some bantering about his Turkish machismo, we both knew a deep respect and love for each other. We cannot begin to fathom the loss you are feeling now, but we know he gave you all a fantastic foundation on which to stand and carry forward. He will always be a part of your lives and his presence will never leave you. He will be there to guide you and, at some point, comfort you. We know that now his loss feels immeasurable (even for us), but his love will be a constant in your lives. Please accept your sincerest condolences and love.

  12. Janel Messmer says:

    Sorry for your loss . Sending prayers of hope and healing for your family ♥️

  13. Barbara, Suzan and Sera Sakarya says:

    Heartfelt condolences to Dana and family. We were not able to meet Dogan that often during our 40+ year friendship, but when we did get together, Dogan’s zest for life always made it a special treat. We have wonderful memories of Dogan as a football buddy of Esh’s, as a kind uncle to baby Suzan and as a fiery and informed debater on many topics, but especially on Turkey. Dogan was a ‘one-off’ and will be dearly missed by all who knew him.

  14. Tadeusz Komorowski says:

    We are so deeply saddened by Dogan’s passing. Please accept our heartfelt condolences.
    It was an utmost pleasure to know him and experience his warm and welcoming personality. Our conversations with him were always memorable. Each time, we learned something new and interesting – whether about his beloved Turkey, politics, sports, or any topic he passionately shared.
    What I will remember most is Dogan’s love for his grandkids. He radiated joy whenever he spoke of them, and it was clear he cherished every moment spent with them.
    Rest in peace and we will keep him and his family in our thoughts and prayers.

  15. Hayriye Ibrikci says:

    Deepest condolences to Dana and the children. Turgay and I felt so sorry for our lifelong dear friend Dogan. I remember those good old days in Fargo spent with Dogan and Dana; gathering, cooking, shopping, camping…. I never forget his blue car “dul dul” we were picked up for ride. He was a caring, great big brother for us in the very cold days of Fargo. Dogan, your peaceful soul will be with us.

  16. Hayriye Ibrikci says:

    Dear Dana,
    Our deepest condolences for Dogan. Turgay and I are so sorry for our lifelong friend Dogan. He was a great big brother for me in Fargo; we shared many many good memories with you Dogan. I always remember our gatherings at your home having lovely time. Dogan was an amazing person for his family, friends, students and surroundings. His warm and peaceful soul will always be with you and with us.

  17. Susie Clift says:

    Dearest Donna, I am saddened to hear of your deep and sudden loss of your dear husband Dogan, a caring family man and support for many decades. It may take many months and years to find peace after such a supportive relationship but please know I am thinking of you, sending prayers and love Donna,
    Susie Clift (Katarina’s friend)

  18. Levi Perkins says:

    Even though it has been many years since I have seen the Comez Family, I still talk about them to this day. What a great group of people who welcomed me into their home countless times as a child. I’ll always remember the delicious home cooked meals and the scholarly talks had at their kitchen table. I remember Dogan as a wise man who was soft spoken, smart, and passionate about the things he loved in life. I hope that the family is starting to heal and I am so sorry for their loss. It’s clear that many people will miss him, and I’m so proud to count myself among those he touched in life. All my love to Dana, Alex, and Denniz.

  19. Seetha says:

    I am truly blessed to have crossed paths with Dogan and Dana. He stepped into my brother’s shoes seemlessly and he will always be my second brother. Can never repay him for all the great help he gave me when I was a grad student in Fargo. You will be sorely missed Dogan. My deepest condolences Dana, Deniz and Alex!

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Dogan Comez

November 21, 1955 – June 7, 2025


Share Obituary:

Send Flowers Print Obituary

With broken hearts and deepest sorrow, we announce the passing of Dr. Dogan Comez. Dogan was born November 21st, 1955, in the outskirts of Ankara, Turkey to a family of humble means and hardworking values. He worked many jobs, including in a local cinema, making and selling sleds to help his family while he was going to school.
Dogan’s mental and physical excellence then propelled him to the Air Force Academy from ages of 14 to 21. He proudly served in the Turkish Air Force flying NATO missions as a F-5 fighter pilot, an endeavor he was very proud of and talked about frequently to close friends and family. Dogan also participated in skydiving while in the Turkish Air Force, an experience he really enjoyed.
His dedication to serve opened up a world of opportunity with the Air Force Academy as he advanced to finishing an accelerated Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in mathematics at Middle East Technical University (METU). While at university, Dogan was running track competitively, skiing, mountain climbing and he was involved in many cultural activities.
After graduating with his master’s degree, he obtained a full scholarship to the University of Toronto, Canada where he pursued his dreams and passion for mathematics, subsequently earning his Ph.D. in 1983. While at UFT, he was very active in cultural activities including Turkish folk dancing; he continued to enjoy running and cross-country skiing. While in school, Dogan met many lifelong friends, including his best friend and the love of his life, Dana Gulej.
A dear friend of his suggested he consider an assistant professor position at North Dakota State University. This led him and Dana to move to Fargo, North Dakota, which would become their home for nearly 40 years. They had their first son Deniz in 1991, and then shortly after returned back to Turkey for a sabbatical. Upon returning to the United States, Dogan and Dana bought their home in North Fargo and had their second son Alexander in 1997. Dogan raised his sons with values of hard work, integrity, thrift, citizenship and so much more. He was also a dedicated soccer coach as well as a family man, friend and grandfather.
Dogan won many awards for his excellence in teaching and research, including the prestigious Robert Odney award in 2007 and the Distinguished Educator Award by the Blue Key Honor Society in 2016. Additionally, he founded GraSUS and also organized Sonya Kovaelvski Mathematics Day. He was a fine mentor for his multiple Ph.D students, chair of the department of mathematics twice, president of the NDSU senate (2008-09), referee for the National Science Foundation and published many research papers. Dogan also taught courses at the Governor’s school for advanced high school math students. He served on many committees at NDSU and was heavily involved in the governance and wellbeing of the university.
Dogan was a true Renaissance man whose intellect was boundless, not only in mathematics and science, but chess, geology, astronomy, history, geography, political science, music, poetry and literature. Dogan had also had a deep love of wine and sharing a drink with good company, often using his famous ironic toast: “May this be the worst day of our lives!”. He and Dana met even more friends at this point in life, many of whom he was very close with. Dogan loved to travel with his friends and family, making several trips to Turkey, the United Kingdom, Czech Republic, Holland, France, Slovakia, Bulgaria, Israel, Cyprus, Mexico, Chile, Vietnam, Thailand and all over the United States. Dogan deeply enjoyed spending time in nature, and loved to hike, camp and do rock climbing with his sons and friends. He was a humanitarian by heart, who had profound empathy for poor and marginalized communities.
Dogan will be remembered as a dedicated and exemplary husband, father, grandfather, colleague, educator and citizen. Dogan is survived by his wife Dana, older son Deniz, daughter-in-law Jaime, younger son Alexander, and his grandchildren Ari and Luna. His dedication and love for his grandchildren was immense; he spent lots of quality time with them. He had a reputation for having a tireless work ethic, strong sense of right and wrong, and so many other solid traits of a leader with deep integrity and honor. He motivated many and cherished his time as a mentor. As a family, we are so very proud of his life and legacy. While heart issues might have ended his life abruptly, his actions, values and vigor inspires us, and we know it is our duty to live according to his values and do what would make Dogan proud. There are no words we can say to describe our grief, there are no words to say how many lives he touched and how proud we are of his honorable life. At this time, we are tentatively planning a memorial service in late September 2025, our family very much appreciates your thoughts and goodwill.

Share Obituary:

Send Flowers Print Obituary
  1. Pia says:

    My condolences to Dana and the rest of the family. So sorry for your loss, may he rest in peace.

  2. Frederik Haring says:

    Dogan will be greatly missed. Such a wonderful father and friend to our family. I recall when he told us about meeting Dana. Huge Condolences Sincerely The Haring Family

  3. Kay krupa says:

    At a Slovak picnic a few years ago Dogan and Dana and Ted and Kat were dancing the Czardas in a circle and they asked me to join them. I was honored to meet Dogan then and he was a lovely man.
    Dana please accept my deepest sympathy to you and your family.

  4. Nimet and Bora Inceoglu says:

    Our deepest condolences Dana, Deniz, Alex and Jaime. Dogan was an amazing human being. We will miss him greatly. His talk of fine wines, his mathematics, his interest in everything and everyone. He left us too early.

  5. Tuval Foguel says:

    My deepest condolences to Dana and the entire family. I’m so sorry for your loss—may he rest in peace.

  6. Katarina Gulej says:

    A true Renaissance man for sure with talents and strengths in so many areas. He will greatly be missed by all of his family, friends and colleagues, but will remain in our hearts forever! 💕 Unfortunately, gone too soon! We love you Dogan!

  7. Lisa and Greg says:

    We loved Dogan. We will miss him and always here the echos of “May this be the worst day of our lives.” Cheers mate friend. And love to you, Dana and family. ❤️🍷

  8. Tanya, Evren & Esena Akyuz says:

    My heart goes out to all of you. Doğan was such an amazing friend to all of us and welcomed us into the Fargo Turkish community with open arms. We grateful to both of you for that. He will remain in our hearts always.

  9. Hella and Michael says:

    Our hearts will never heal from the loss of Dogan but we will everyday be comforted by our cherished memories of him and Dana, and the boys as well as the tight-knit NDSU math community that he loved and loved him back harder! May we drink grape juice in his honor, always. May his memory be a blessing. –the Cohens

  10. Dana Kusnir says:

    Dear Danka and family, my deepest condolences, I am so sorry for your loss. Thinking of you, you are in my heart during this difficult times.

  11. Julie and Bill Eikamp says:

    Dana, Deniz, Jamie, and Alex,
    There are no words to describe the loss Bill and I feel about Dogan’s passing. He was a true friend, one who always made us feel welcome and important. After having known Dogan for over 40 years, I feel a hole in my soul because of his passing. He was such a good, caring, wonderful friend and person. Although we always had some bantering about his Turkish machismo, we both knew a deep respect and love for each other. We cannot begin to fathom the loss you are feeling now, but we know he gave you all a fantastic foundation on which to stand and carry forward. He will always be a part of your lives and his presence will never leave you. He will be there to guide you and, at some point, comfort you. We know that now his loss feels immeasurable (even for us), but his love will be a constant in your lives. Please accept your sincerest condolences and love.

  12. Janel Messmer says:

    Sorry for your loss . Sending prayers of hope and healing for your family ♥️

  13. Barbara, Suzan and Sera Sakarya says:

    Heartfelt condolences to Dana and family. We were not able to meet Dogan that often during our 40+ year friendship, but when we did get together, Dogan’s zest for life always made it a special treat. We have wonderful memories of Dogan as a football buddy of Esh’s, as a kind uncle to baby Suzan and as a fiery and informed debater on many topics, but especially on Turkey. Dogan was a ‘one-off’ and will be dearly missed by all who knew him.

  14. Tadeusz Komorowski says:

    We are so deeply saddened by Dogan’s passing. Please accept our heartfelt condolences.
    It was an utmost pleasure to know him and experience his warm and welcoming personality. Our conversations with him were always memorable. Each time, we learned something new and interesting – whether about his beloved Turkey, politics, sports, or any topic he passionately shared.
    What I will remember most is Dogan’s love for his grandkids. He radiated joy whenever he spoke of them, and it was clear he cherished every moment spent with them.
    Rest in peace and we will keep him and his family in our thoughts and prayers.

  15. Hayriye Ibrikci says:

    Deepest condolences to Dana and the children. Turgay and I felt so sorry for our lifelong dear friend Dogan. I remember those good old days in Fargo spent with Dogan and Dana; gathering, cooking, shopping, camping…. I never forget his blue car “dul dul” we were picked up for ride. He was a caring, great big brother for us in the very cold days of Fargo. Dogan, your peaceful soul will be with us.

  16. Hayriye Ibrikci says:

    Dear Dana,
    Our deepest condolences for Dogan. Turgay and I are so sorry for our lifelong friend Dogan. He was a great big brother for me in Fargo; we shared many many good memories with you Dogan. I always remember our gatherings at your home having lovely time. Dogan was an amazing person for his family, friends, students and surroundings. His warm and peaceful soul will always be with you and with us.

  17. Susie Clift says:

    Dearest Donna, I am saddened to hear of your deep and sudden loss of your dear husband Dogan, a caring family man and support for many decades. It may take many months and years to find peace after such a supportive relationship but please know I am thinking of you, sending prayers and love Donna,
    Susie Clift (Katarina’s friend)

  18. Levi Perkins says:

    Even though it has been many years since I have seen the Comez Family, I still talk about them to this day. What a great group of people who welcomed me into their home countless times as a child. I’ll always remember the delicious home cooked meals and the scholarly talks had at their kitchen table. I remember Dogan as a wise man who was soft spoken, smart, and passionate about the things he loved in life. I hope that the family is starting to heal and I am so sorry for their loss. It’s clear that many people will miss him, and I’m so proud to count myself among those he touched in life. All my love to Dana, Alex, and Denniz.

  19. Seetha says:

    I am truly blessed to have crossed paths with Dogan and Dana. He stepped into my brother’s shoes seemlessly and he will always be my second brother. Can never repay him for all the great help he gave me when I was a grad student in Fargo. You will be sorely missed Dogan. My deepest condolences Dana, Deniz and Alex!

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