Homer Jerome Vick

            Homer Jerome Vick, age 100 years and two months, passed peacefully in his sleep on May 4, 2024, in his apartment at Milestone Senior Living Stoughton. Homer was born in Madison, Wisconsin to Della Melida Hjortland Vick and Homer Levi Vick on February 22, 1924. He was a lifelong resident of McFarland, WI.

            He attended Madison’s East High School, where he met Elaine Ruth Lippert. Being the only woman in his math class—and lovely—she impressed Homer. After high school, in 1943, he enrolled in the navy V12 training program. Elaine captured his heart while they dated pursuing their college studies. They were married on March 2, 1946. Then an Ensign, he was called to active duty and Elaine entered nursing school. They joked that while Elaine worked away earning her nursing degree, Homer toured the world.

            Homer served as an officer in the Atlantic aboard the U.S.S. Denver. Through the Navy’s V12 program he received a B.S. degree in Electrical Engineering from Marquette University in 1946. He continued his education and received a master’s degree in electrical engineering from the University of Wisconsin in 1949. He was a member of the Electrical engineering Department’s faculty from 1946 to 1950. He had been promoted to Lieutenant when he resigned from the U.S. Naval Reserve in 1959.

            Homer joined Alliant Energy, formerly Wisconsin Power and Light (WPL), in 1950. He advanced to be the director of rates and board secretary for the firm. Governor Lucy appointed Homer a member of the Fuel and Utility Payment committee and State Energy Conservation Advisory Council in 1975, 1976. In 1976, WPL promoted Homer to vice president of rates and consumer services. He retired in the early 1980s.

            Homer was active in the McFarland community and served as McFarland’s school board president for several years. An enthusiastic boy scout, he was the first Eagle Scout in McFarland’s troop 53. He later served as the troop’s scout master for 10 years. His other passions were sailing, photography, woodworking, and knot tying. He and Elaine joined RSVP’s volunteer program, which reported, “With Elaine assisting, Homer greets each youngster with an infectious smile and a promised gift to any student who learns to tie the square knot he demonstrates.” An animated storyteller, he spun infamous laughing man tales, which thrilled neighborhood kids in his back yard and family members around campfires during vacations and reunions.

            His greatest passion was sharing the awesome majesty of Jesus, his closest friend and Lord. Throughout his life, he shared about Jesus in diverse settings, including meetings on Williamson Street, laymen’s retreats, bible studies, and guest speaking.

            Elaine and Homer complimented one another. His relentless humor while telling stories or giving rides on his sailboat (to the dismay of a few) were accompanied by her sumptuous feasts and desserts. He had the gift of making everyone he knew and met feel loved and special.

            Elaine and Homer expanded their family’s horizons on biannual camping adventures, which spanned east to west across the United States. As a couple, they extended their adventures to several other countries.

            Like their Lord Jesus, Elaine and Homer demonstrated their love through their generosity, exemplified by two ‘adopted’ families. Lucia Aguirre from Ecuador lived with them her senior year as a high school exchange student. Thereafter, their affection extended to Lucia's children and grandchildren. Bob and Karen Stanforth, a young couple from their church, were included as family, which extended to their children and grandchildren. Homer’s current ‘family’ includes all those who have loved him and Elaine.

            He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Elaine Vick, parents, his sisters Fran Balcken and Loretta Larson, and beloved granddaughter, Christina Lynn Finley. He is celebrated and survived by his children and their spouses; Sherry (Vick) and Randal Feig, Sue (Vick) and Mark Finley, and Alan and Linda (Blackmon) Vick. Grandchildren, greatly enriched by his love and humor, include Dan (Marce) Feig, Scott (Monica) Finley, Todd (Taylor Brown) Finley, and Aaron (Masha) Finley, Lindsey (Nate) Henry, Laura (Jack) Stewart, and Carrie (Tim) Highman. His cherished great grandchildren are Sofia, Ian, Alex Feig; Lucas, Matias, Charlotte, Alexander Finley; Thomas, Owen Gronna; Makeo, Leilani, Maverick, Ka’Lei Henry. Homer’s cherished nieces and nephews also celebrate his life and love.

          A memorial service for Homer will be held at 12:00 p.m. on Friday, May 24th, at Door Creek Church, 6602 Dominion Dr. The visitation will be from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service. A light lunch will be served afterward.

            In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to: Door Creek Church, 6602 Dominion Dr., Madison WI 53718; Boy Scout troop 53 via Treasurer ℅ Cindy Maths, 5312 Forest Lawn Circle, McFarland WI 53558; Agrace (www.agrace.org), 5395 Cheryl Parkway Madison WI 53711.

            The Vick family extends their gratitude to Milestone Senior Living, Stoughton WI. 

Their Administrative Leadership: Julie, Tess. 

Hunter ( Maintenance ), Brenda H ( Activities ), David ( Sales / Marketing ), Kevin (Culinary).

Their Nursing Staff: Jessica (RN), Laura, Emilie, Zab, Erika, Kaitlin, Marvin, Pam, Brenda M., Molly, Michelle (Also Housekeeping), Kayla, Cindi, Amanda, Lena, Ashley, Emily.

Their Kitchen Staff: Robert, Bob and all other Milestone staff who cared for Dad. 

We also thank Agrace and their nurses and care givers; Emi Tilley, Sherry Ellefson, and Brian James. The tender care from all these and others blessed Dad and us.