Michael Joseph Doud Sr.

MSG Michael Joseph Doud, Sr. (U.S. Army Ret.) passed away peacefully at Seasons of Life Hospice House in Woodruff on September 30 after a valiant four-month fight against stage 4 thyroid cancer. His cancer was discovered after a failed hip replacement surgery in May, 2019.
Mike was born September 16, 1947 in Detroit, Michigan. He was the son of Frank “Joe” Doud and Carol (Cowger) Doud. He spent most of his childhood in Michigan before moving to Lac du Flambeau as an adolescent. He was a member of the Lac du Flambeau Band of Chippewa Indians. Mike graduated from Lakeland Union High School in 1965 and enlisted in the United States Army in November 1965.
Mike went to boot camp at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri. Soon after, he completed the United States Army Airborne School, also known as "jump school", at Fort Benning, Georgia. Mike reported to Germany in 1966 and then was deployed to Vietnam with the 1st Infantry Division. At this time, Mike served with long-range reconnaissance patrols (LRRP). After a brief return to the United States in November 1967, Mike was redeployed to Vietnam again, spending most of 1968 embedded with a LRRP group for a mechanized cavalry unit. Mike served his third tour in Vietnam with a Ranger unit from 1970-1971.From 1972-1974, Mike served as a drill instructor at Fort Polk, Louisiana. Next, from 1974-1978 he was an army recruiter in Minnesota and went to air assault school. From 1979-1981, he was stationed at Stuttgart, Germany. There he was assigned with the United States European Command (EUCOM) serving as part of combat ready forces protecting Western Europe from the Eastern Bloc countries. In 1981-1982, Mike worked with the reserve component advisory to train reserve infantry. From 1982-1984 he was the Operations Sergeant with the 1st Infantry Division for the 5th Mech. Mike retired from the Army in 1985.
While serving his country, Mike was awarded a Silver Star, Bronze Star, and three Purple Hearts. He also earned the Army Commendation Medal, Meritorious Service Medal (2), Vietnam Campaign Ribbon, Vietnam Service Ribbon, National Defense Service Medal, Combat Infantry Badge, Good Conduct Medal (7) and Vietnam Cross of Gallantry with Palm.
Mike began his second career when he returned to Michigan, where he was employed by the Herman Frankel Organization in West Bloomfield. There he worked as a project superintendent for the construction firm. He moved back to Wisconsin in 1991 and started his own home inspection company. Mike married his high school classmate, Marsha Schlecht Bast, in 1992.
Mike believed in service to his adopted hometown of Woodruff. Mike was very active in the Dr. Kate Museum, filling many roles including being the president of the museum. He organized the 50th and 60th Million Penny Parade Anniversaries and secured a trademark for the Dr. Kate name. He helped the museum obtain ownership of the World's Largest Penny and established two Wisconsin State Historical markers in Woodruff. Mike was elected to the Woodruff Town Board in 2018. Mike was proud of his role as a board member and acquiring a new ladder truck for the Town of Woodruff Fire Department.
Mike was a kind, generous individual who was always willing to assist others. He was quick to lend a hand, volunteer, cook for a function, give a hug, or tell a story. He was a leader with a big heart. Mike was always a proud infantryman and loyal to his country and those who knew him. He enjoyed “Friday Fish Fry with Friends”, a good laugh, and being home with those he loved. He enjoyed reading and music, and was an accomplished woodworker and builder. Mike was also an excellent cook and baker.
Mike was proceeded in death by his parents, Frank “Joe” Doud and Carol (Cowger) Doud and also his mother and father-in-law, Helen and Dan Schlecht.
Mike is survived by his wife, Marsha; son Senior Chief Boatsman Mate (U.S. Navy) Michael J. Doud, Jr. and his wife Chief Warrant Officer 3 (U.S. Navy) Kimberly, Norfolk, Virginia and their children Jordan and Nevaeh; daughter Chauncey Doud, Auburn Hills, Michigan; Stepson Jon (Val) Bast, Minocqua and their daughtersKalli and Abbi; Michael (Heidi) Bast, St. Michael, Minnesota and their children Marin and Flynn; and his beloved black lab, Lucy. He is further survived by his sisters: Dolores (Sig) Hoenes, Marco Island, Florida; and Teri (Jim) Mayne, Roseville, Michigan; special cousin Dale Bowman, Woodruff, and honorary son, Command Sergeant Major (WI National Guard)Greg (Sandy) Fulton, Arbor Vitae and their children SSergeant (U.S. Army) Jake (Lang), Luke (Lang), and Mitchel. Many cousins, nephews, and friends also survive.
Special thanks to Dr. William E. Raduege, Seasons of Life Hospice House, and Tim Bahr- PTSD Peer Counselor and his comfort dog, Balli. Further appreciation to Dr. Katherine Le, Dr. Lucinda Gruber, and Dr. Tahir Mehmood of the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota, and Father Jerry Hagen of Holy Family Catholic Church. Thank you to all who visited and sent cards to Mike.
Services will be held at Nimsgren Funeral Home in Woodruff on Monday, October 21. Visitation will begin at 10:00 am, with services starting at 11:00 am and luncheon to follow. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Dr. Kate Museum Scholarship Fund, P.O. Box 851, Woodruff, WI 54568 or to the Woodruff Fire Department, P.O. Box 177, Woodruff, WI 54568.