Donald H. "Doc" Vike
August 14, 1929 - November 12, 2020
Obituary
3 ways To Join the Live Webcast:
-scroll down to the events and Under the livestream service click on "Watch Event"
-click on tribute wall above and select "watch now"
-copy and paste this url into a web browser:
STOUGHTON - Donald H. "Doc" Vike, age 91, of Stoughton, Wis., passed away on Thursday, Nov. 12, 2020, at Skaalen Home.
He was born on Aug. 14, 1929, in Stoughton, the son of Clarence and Eda (Rienstad) Vike.
Doc graduated from Stoughton High School in 1947. Upon graduation he pitched for the Chicago Cubs Organization for six years. His time with the Cubs was interrupted by his service in the U.S. Air Force during the Korean War, where he was stationed in Japan.
Doc married Mildred Hanson on Oct. 16, 1951, in Stoughton. He was a dairy farmer for two years and a Stoughton Police Officer for two years before going to work for Dane County Highway Dept. for 31 years. During that same time Doc continued to raise tobacco.
He was a member of Stoughton American Legion Post No. 59 and VFW Post No. 328. He pitched in the Home Talent League for 29 years and continued to coach for several years after. Doc enjoyed playing cards with family and friends and got much enjoyment watching his children and grandchildren participate in their sports
Doc is survived by his daughter, Cheryl (Dan) Breitbach of Park Rapids, Minn.; two sons, Dale (Sandy) Vike of Stoughton and Duane (Janet) Vike of Holmen; eight grandchildren, Ryan (Rhonda) Breitbach, Carin (Jeremy) Shepersky, Nikki (Ross) Oliver, Kristin (Bob) Steinich, Doug (Amy) Vike, Brian (Shan) Vike, Emily Vike and Joe (Leslie) Vike; brother, Herbert (Nancy) Vike; 23 great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Mildred; parents; brother, Nels Vike; and two sisters, Marcella Henney and Elaine Nelson.
Private memorial services will be held at First Lutheran Church, Stoughton, with the Rev. Richard Halom presiding. Family and friends who wish to view the service via LIVE STREAM may visit Doc's obituary page at www.gundersonfh.com and click on the Live Webcast link at 11 a.m. on Thursday, Nov. 19, 2020. Private burial with military honors will be held at Lutheran East Cemetery.
Doc’s family would like to thank the staff at Skaalen Home and Agrace HospiceCare for their loving care to our dad. Memorials for the family can be sent to Gunderson Stoughton Funeral and Cremation Care, 1358 Hwy 51, Stoughton, WI 53589. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com .
Gunderson Stoughton
Funeral & Cremation Care
1358 Hwy 51 N. @ Jackson St.
(608) 873-4590
Events
Livestream
Thu Nov 19, 2020 @ 11:00 AM - 11:45 AM CDT
Lake Accotink Park • 5660 Hemming Ave, Springfield, VA 22151
Photos
No photos of Donald have been shared yet.
Memories
DJ
David Stronach Jr
Other •
Stoughton has lost an icon in passing of Doc. His jovial laugh I will never forget. He was a mentor and avid supporter fo many of us Stoughton Viking athletes. Cheryl, Dale and Duane I am saddened with your loss. RIP Doc....
KS
Kathleen Schmidt
Other •
Such a gentle soul, with a giant countenance! A wonderful brother and friend. Always a ready smile and welcoming nature. Sincere sympathies to Herb, Cheryl, Dale and Duane and their families. He will be missed! Kathleen
DA
David Asperheim
Other •
Doc was a big time football and basketball star for the Stoughton Vikings when I was a freshman in high school. He always had a pleasant demeanor, and nice to us youngsters.
HV
Herb Vike
Other •
I am blessed to be Docs baby brother. I followed his career through the Cub Orgn. I was very proud to read Mickey Mantle‘s book that said in his minor-league career “Doc Vike was the toughest pitcher he faced” Also, I didn’t see Wrigley Field until I came in with the visiting LA Dodgers.. My guests were my mother,, my two brothers and their mates. They had box seats right behind first base, where they always wanted to sit. I was proud that that I could make that happen. I was worried that mother would get hit by a baseball, because there was no screen,, but my brothers were there to protect her... I will miss my brother greatly and God bless him and may he Rest In Peace..Brother Herb
NS
Nancy Savage-Vike
Other •
One of my fondest memories of Doc was introducing him to California wines, especially Merlo. It was so funny when he would pronounce it MERLOT, just like it was spelled!! I enjoyed Doc and Millie , Nels & Lois visiting us in Redondo Beach, going to the race tracks and enjoying the lovely beaches, as well as, our many trips to Las Vegas and Laughlin in our motorhome! Doc, Millie, Herb and I would share many laughs over card games & good food and drinks, but most of all sitting in the yards at sunset overlooking the beautiful fields at their farmhouse! Doc was a special guy that was warm and fun loving and he will be missed by so many!
DE
Dale Erickson
Other •
Was a lot of years ago but enjoyed the deer hunting and humor that went along with it when Doc, my Uncles, Oris Hougan, Kip Sagen and other local characters got together. He was a friendly person to see out and about around Utica. He really brought a lot of Life, wherever he went. My condolences to the family. Dale Erickson