Dorothy Jean Vikstrom

Dorothy Jean Vikstrom
August 12, 1946 – October 25, 2025
Dorothy Jean Vikstrom of Washington Township, Michigan, passed away peacefully at the age of 79 on October 25, 2025, surrounded by her family.
Dorothy was born on August 12, 1946, to John and Gladah Baker in Lansing, Michigan. She is survived by her husband Dennis; their children (and their spouses) Jeff (Ruth), Brian (Karen), and Corrie (Jim); and their grandchildren Zoe, Maya, Grant, Justin, Eli, Phillip, Alyson, Brynn, Tyler, Febe, Emily, and Chloe. She is also survived by her sister Betty Jo (late husband Don) Swets and her brother John (Norma) Baker. She was preceded in death by her parents and her sister Joyce.
Dorothy married Dennis Vikstrom on May 17, 1968. They met at General Motors, enjoying a whirlwind romance. They were married for 57 years, raising three children and later welcoming twelve grandchildren.
Everyone who knew Dorothy would describe her as vibrant, youthful, and energetic. She centered her life on her love of God and family, dedicating countless hours to making holidays and family gatherings special, filled with joy and homemade baked goods. For many years, she worked as the Washington Elementary School secretary, where she was known for her organization skills and friendly personality.
Dorothy shared a lifelong close relationship with her sister, Betty Jo, enjoying many of the same activities. They lived near each other for most of their lives and spent many winters together in Orange Beach Alabama.
Dorothy loved running, biking, and gardening. She and Dennis took many family camping trips across the United States and worked on numerous projects together, including building a house while their children were young. They shared a loving relationship filled with laughter and adventure. In retirement, Dorothy became an avid quilter, creating more than sixty quilts for family and friends. She and Dennis renovated their cottage in Caseville, MI, to better host their expanding family.
Dorothy braved a devastating diagnosis of Progressive Supranuclear Palsy (PSP) for years with good humor and faith. While many faculties faltered, she never lost her acute listening skills or her ability to recall the location of every object in her home. Throughout her illness, she remained positive, trusting in God and her loving husband as her caretaker. Her faith, love, and laughter will continue to live on in her family.
The visitation will be held on Saturday, November 15, from 9:00 to 11:00 a.m. at Cross of Glory Lutheran Church at 61095 Campground Rd Washington MI 48094, followed by a funeral service at 11:00 a.m. and a catered lunch.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Cross of Glory Lutheran Church or to CurePSP at www.psp.org