Randall R. Dopke

1951 - 2023

Watertown, WI - Randy died peacefully in the loving arms of his wife, Lynn, on October 22, 2023 at ProHealth Care Hospital, Oconomowoc, WI.

Randy was born on February 12, 1951 to Geraldine (Miller) and Harry Dopke, Jr. in West Bend, WI.

He graduated from Watertown Sr. High School in 1969. Randy enlisted in the United States Army on 11/28/1969.

He completed basic training in Fort Campbell, Kentucky, and was awarded 2nd place in the M14 Marksmanship in Co D 10th Battalion.

He functioned as a Specialist Four in the elite 173rd Airborne Brigade serving in Vietnam from 07/22/1970 with honorable discharge on 07/20/1971. He was decorated with the Combat Infantryman Badge 1st Award on 08/27/1970, the Army Commendation Medal on 04/16/1971, the Air Medal on 04/17/1971, the Army Commendation Medal 1st Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster on 07/09/1971 and selected for promotion to the E5 standing on 06/11/1971. He also received the National Defense Service Medal, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Ribbon with device, Expert Badge with Rifle Bar and Parachutist Badge. He was authorized the Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal with device and the Vietnam Gallantry Cross with Palm Unit Citation by the Republic of Vietnam.

He attended University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee from 1971 to 1972.

Randy was employed by Asphlundh Tree Expert Company, for Wisconsin Electric from 1978 to 1990 as a Trimmer, Foreman and General Foreman Safety Supervisor.

Randy was also self employed providing tree services and worked as a small engine mechanic at Farm & Fleet.

He was the proud owner of Cool Bikes of Beaver Dam from 1996 to 2005 when he fell ill with cardiac problems.

He was a member of the American Legion, Vietnam Veterans of America and the 173rd Airborne Brigade.

He was an avid fan of motorcycle, Indy and Formula One races making many trips to Road America in Elkhart Lake, WI.

He was married on August 23, 1980 to his bride, Lynn Leick, for 43 precious years.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Geraldine and Harry Jr. and mother and father -in-law, Virginia and Richard Leick.

He is survived by his brothers, Harry (Darlene), Brian (Judy) and Lance (Rhonda) and sister Jill Ash (Robert) all of Watertown. Sisters - in - law, Lori (Mike) Boelter of Oregon and Lee Ann (Steve) Sachs of Green Bay. Nephews, Tim (May) Dopke of Juneau, Scott (Stacy) Dopke of Grafton, Colton (Kori) Ash of Phoenix, AZ, Austin (Josie) Ash of Los Angeles, CA, Trevor (Bree Ann) Sachs of Grand Forks, MN and Matthew (Sara) Boelter of Milwaukee. Nieces, Taylor Ash of Minneapolis, MN, Bridget (Rob) Neubauer of Waunakee, Elizabeth (Sam) Kopling of Oregon and Mary Sachs of Green Bay. Great nephews: Logan Dopke, Colin Kopling and Charles Sachs. Great nieces, Emma Dopke, Lauren Dopke, Sylvie Kopling and Remi Neubauer.

Hafemeister Funeral Home is serving the family. Visitation will take place on Saturday, October 28th at Hafemeister Funeral Home from 9:00 - 11:00 AM. A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. Burial, with military honors, will take place immediately following the service at Oak Hill Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers a donation may be made in Randy's name to the American Heart Association or the National Kidney Foundation.