Douglas A. Wikum

Douglas A. Wikum, Professor Emeritus, age 69, of Hayward, passed away at his home under the care of hospice and with his loving family at his side after a couageous battle with cancer.

He was born Oct. 3, 1933, in Stoughton to Arnold and Esther Wikum. After graduating from Edgerton High School in 1951, he served in the U.S. Army Medical Corps. He also worked for the Department of Natural Resources.

Douglas earned his B.S. degree from the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point, his M.S. from the University of South Dakota, and a Ph.D from the University of South Dakota.

He married Jane Trappe on July 19, 1958. He taught at Sun Prairie and Menomonie High Schools. He was a biology professor at the University of Wisconsin-Stout from 1966-74 and 1976-94, where he also served a term as Department Chair. From 1974-76 he worked for the Environmental Division of Stone and Webster in Boston

He was an enthusiastic teacher who believed in helping students prepare, not only for their careers, but also for their roles as citizens. An avid researcher, he was involved in ecological and water quality projects for the USDA, U.S. Forest Service, and U.S. Navy, among others.

In retirement, he continued to be active in his church. In addition, he was Board President of the Hayward Area Community Food Shelf, and served five years on the Hayward Golf and Tennis Club Board where he chaired the Tennis Committee. For the last two years, he chaired the Hayward Civic Club's July 4th Community Picnic and Fireworks.

He is survived by his wife of 45 years, Jane; three daughters, Karen (Dale) Volkman of Seymour, Kathy Hagen of Shoreview, Minn., and Kristy Hoepner of Eden Prairie, Minn.; and one son, Erick (Elizabeth) Wikum of Green Bay. He is further survived by eight grandchildren; stepmother, Edna Wikum of Edgerton; sister, Diane Weinstock of Racine; sister-in-law, Susan (John) Timm of Scottsdale, Ariz.; aunts, uncles, several cousins, nephews and nieces.

He was preceded in death by his parents and brother-in-law, Bill Weinstock.

He was a kind and loving husband, father, grandfather, and friend, touching many lives through his teaching, example of faith and courage, and sense of humor. He tirelessly promoted and played tennis, his passion. Proud of his Norwegian heritage, he maintained a close relationship with relatives in Norway.

Funeral services were Wednesday, Sept. 3, 2003, at First Lutheran Church. Burial was in Greenwood Cemetery in Hayward.

Memorials may be directed to First Lutheran Church of Hayward, Regional Hospice Services, Inc., 2101 Beaser Ave., Ashland, WI 54806, or to the charity of your choice.

Anderson-Nathan Funeral Home of Hayward assisted the family.