"Dennis was a great guy, and will be deeply missed, remember the softball games, and the Utica tournaments, and just the fun we all had. To the Vike Family, thoughts and prayers are with you during this time of loss, and always."
In loving memory of
Dennis R. Vike
June 23, 1953 - January 21, 2011
Dennis R. Vike, age 57, passed away on Friday, January 21, 2011 at Stoughton Hospital. He was born in Stoughton on June 23, 1953, a son of Nelson & Lois (Suetmeier) Vike, Sr. Dennis graduated from Stoughton High School in 1971. He was a Guy Sundt Award winner, and Homecoming King. Dennis farmed with his parents and family for many years in the Dunkirk /Rutland area and took over as Auction Clerk after his dad died, continuing to work with Auction Specialists and as a Ring man for various area auto auctions. Dennis played Utica / Stoughton Home talent baseball for years. In addition to baseball, he enjoyed fishing, hunting, and softball. His most precious times were spent with his sons, family and friends. Dennis is survived by his sons, Luke (Dana) of Evansville, Matthew (Erica) of Orfordville, and Joseph of Stoughton; the mother of his children, Melody Kopke-Vike; his siblings, Greg (Sandra), Teresa (Al) Vike-Kelly, Clair, Peter (Lori), Peggy (Jeff) Freidel, Tim (Tonya) Vike and their families; and many aunts, uncles, cousins and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, Nelson and Lois Vike, Sr., and a brother, Nelson Dooner' Vike, Jr. A memorial service will be held on Wednesday, January 26, 2011 at 11:00 am at St. Ann Catholic Church, 323 N. Van Buren St., Stoughton, with Monsignor Gerard Healy officiating. The family will greet friends on Tuesday, January 25 from 4:00 to 7:00 pm at the Olson-Holzhuter-Cress Funeral Home in Stoughton, and again at church on Wednesday from 10:00 am until the time of service. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to The American Diabetes Association, or to the charity of your choice. --We are all better for having had him in our lives.-
Tributes
"Dennis was always cheerful and a pleasure to do business with. He will be missed. Steve Schultz, Mayville Motors"
"Enjoyed working on Wednesdays with Dennis at the auction. He always did what was needed to help me understand what was happening. His jokes always made you chuckle. I will truly miss his personality and helpfulness."
"I am so sorry to hear of Denny's passing. Although I had only known him a short time he always had a smile on his face and was always joking around. He was just fun to be around. My prayers and well wishes go out to Denny's family and friends. Denny - I will see you again! "
"We send our deepest sympathy to the family and friends of Denny. Denny always had a smile and a joke. He was always a pleasure to be around. Denny will be missed!"
"We extend our deepest sympathies to the Vike family. "
"So sorry to hear about Denny passing. Please know that we are thinking of you. "
"Denny: I'm sorry that you left us so suddenly. You were one of the first to teach me about hard work all those years ago in the tobacco fields AND the one who made me sick of 50's rock and roll music. I'm really going to miss your bad jokes and smiley face. With much love until we meet again..."
"You will be greatly missed Brother. You always had a bad joke to tell or a quote from a favorite movie, especially 'Animal House'. All those years of saying the Rodney Dangerfield line 'I get no respect', you knew that you were well respected. You were taken from us too soon. There is a void in our life that cannot be filled. "