Wesley Lowell Doak

Wesley Lowell Doak, 78, passed away on January 18, 2025, due to sudden illness and medical complications. He was born and raised in Chicago. As an adult, he lived in the Lakeland area as well as in Marshfield, spending all summers and most winter weekends in northern Wisconsin. He permanently relocated to Arbor Vitae in 2013.

Wes first experienced and fell in love with the Northwoods of Wisconsin when he was a camper and counselor at Adventurers’ Camp for Boys in Lac du Flambeau. He earned a BA in chemistry from Johns Hopkins University in 1967, a MS in organic chemistry from the University of Illinois at Chicago in 1971, and a teaching certification from UW-Superior in 1984.

Wes was passionate about the outdoors and physical fitness, especially cross country skiing and paddling. In the late 1970s, Wes was one of the founding members of Minocqua Winter Park, which opened in December of 1979. As a PSIA-certified cross country ski instructor, Wes enjoyed nothing more than to bring the joy of skiing to others. Wes started a family and taught chemistry and physics at Marshfield Senior High School, being named teacher of the year and leading the cross country ski team to a state championship. After retiring from MSHS, he returned to his passion of ski instruction and spent as much time as possible at Minocqua Winter Park, recently celebrating its 45th anniversary.

Wes was a caring, generous, and vibrant person who lived life fully and cherished time with his family and close friends. He was a master audio engineer and spent countless hours listening to music on his perfectly designed surround sound systems. He delighted in outfitting friends and family with their own state-of-the-art audio. Wes loved to illuminate those around him, not only with his knowledge and enthusiasm, but also with bonfires, headlamps, and other fun light-up gadgets. Time spent with Wes is never forgotten.

Wes is survived by his children, Allison Doak and her wife Liane Ware, Angie (Doak) Works and her husband Nate; his grandchildren, Olivia Nesgoda and Iris, Liam, Dylan, and Noah Works; longtime life companion Debby and her children and grandchild; his children’s mother, Joan Heenahan; his brother, Edwin Doak and wife Leslie.

He was preceded in death by his parents Lowell and Katherine (Bethke) Doak.

There will be a private memorial at a future date to honor and celebrate the life of Wes Doak.

In lieu of sending flowers, please consider making a donation to the Minocqua Winter Park Foundation or another cross-country ski trail of your choice. Bolger Funeral Home is assisting the family, www.bolgerfuneral.com for condolences.