Doyle LeRoy Fike
Big Rapids –“Farmer Fike” (Doyle LeRoy Fike), crossed over to the Big Farm up yonder on Saturday, October 24, at the age of 88 years.
His brothers and sisters and many friends preceded him. Dottie, his wife of almost 60 years, went ahead in 2002. All are gathered now in a grand celebration and reunion in the finest garden you have ever seen!
Doyle was born in Coleman, MI, and grew up in Plainwell. He was an Eagle Scout, and was active in scouting throughout his life. Doyle studied agriculture at Michigan State University, and during World War II, he served as Second Lieutenant in the Army Air Corp.
Farmer Fike retired from Michigan Bell Telephone Co. after 35 years. He lived in Kalamazoo, Battle Creek, Marshall, Jackson, and finally Big Rapids. Not being the shy sort, Doyle gathered many friends along the way. He was known far and wide for his prize herd of beef cattle, and his pet pig Skippy, who weighed over 1400 pounds.
Doyle leaves behind two sons, one daughter, several grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and one great great granddaughter.
A celebration of Doyle’s life will be Saturday, November 7, 2009, from 2-4 p.m., at the Mohnke Funeral Home in Big Rapids. We do not mourn his death, but instead, honor his life. If you see an animal in distress, rescue it. If it is hungry, feed it. Love and care for God’s creatures, enjoy the beauty in nature, and send a contribution to your local Animal Shelter or Humane Society in honor of Doyle. Here’s to you, Farmer Fike! Be seeing you!
4 Responses to “Doyle LeRoy Fike”
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I have had the great pleasure in knowing Doyle for 25 years, as a customer at Dawn Donuts, then when it changed to Dunkin, He was one of the nicest men I have ever met, he was a very good judge of character,he helped me out with many things just by listening and giving me advice. I will really miss him and regret the fact that I wasn’t able to visit him after he moved in with his daughter. I feel very fortunate to have crossed my path with his. Doyle rest in peace and remember me your pal deb eckert from Bernies Place
I know Doyle really did relish his personal time at Dunkin in the wee hours of the morning. When I was growing up, I would come and stay with him and Dottie. We would begin the day bright and early having coffee and then in later years decaf tea before heading out to the farm for early morning chores. The last several years he refused allow me to accompany him on his early morning routine. It was to sacred. He would instead come in to town and pick me up after he had finished, usually between 8 and 9. I too will miss Doyle. He was not only my Grandfather, but my mentor in life, both personal and professional. I enjoyed talking about his career with AT&T and Ma Bell, as well as my current one with them. I am lucky to have so many fond memories of our time spent together. I am saddened there will be no others, but I am glad he is no longer suffering. I will miss you Grandpa not only because you were such a great grand parent, but more importantly because you were such a great friend.
Your Grandson,
Rick
Please accept our sincere condolences for your family’s loss with the passing of your father. January 16, 1967, was the first day Doyle and I met when he hired me to work at the phone company. Starting on that day until the day I retired, he had a profound inpact on my career. There isn’t a week that goes by that I’m not reminded of one of Doyle’s many lessons taught or humorus incidences. He had a significant impact on my sucess with the phone company and for that I will have many fond memories of Doyle for the remainder of my life.,
Jack, Chad, Craig and Courtney,
Our heartfelt thoughts and prayers go out to you in this sad and sorrowful time.
Chris Reynolds
Courtney Reynolds Morris
Cindy Schrieber