Daniel Douglas "Doug" Vladic

Daniel Douglas “Doug” Vladic, age 82, passed away Feb. 21, 2024, at RiverStone Health Hospice House, with his wife and daughters by his side. He was already fighting dementia when, in 2023, he contracted norovirus and covid, causing his dementia to worsen, resulting in his death.

Doug was born on May 7, 1941, in Roundup, the youngest of nine children to Mike and Donna Vladic. The family moved to Billings in 1945 and he graduated from Billings Senior High School in 1959 and Billings Business College in 1961.

He worked for Billings News Agency, Thompson’s Dairy and Skaggs Drug before joining the Army in 1963. He served at Fort Meade, Maryland. He returned to work at Skaggs in 1965, where he met Donna. They were married on Sept. 10, 1966. They had two daughters: Kristine and Kari. He started his phone company career with Mountain States Telephone and Telegraph in 1967. He retired from Qwest in 2003 after 35 years of service. He was also a proud member of the Legacy West Pioneers.

Throughout his lifetime, Doug was very active in sports, both as a participant and a fan. He enjoyed baseball, football, bowling, running and golf. His favorite sports teams to cheer for were the NY Giants and Montana Grizzlies.

Doug and Donna enjoyed fishing, camping and traveling in their younger years. Donna graduated from Hobson, so Judith Basin County became their second home, attending her reunions and Utica Days. He grew to love it there. He had a great relationship with Donna’s parents, Les and Mavis Madsen. When Mavis became ill, they were there with her siblings, Dick, Diane and Bill, to help. After Mavis passed, Les needed more help. Doug and Les logged many miles traveling to and from Billings for Les’ care. Doug could be counted on to lend a helping hand to family and friends. It was a blessing that his illnesses of the last year left Doug and Donna home together reminiscing about the good times of their life.

Doug was a supportive father to his daughters. He was the best assistant salesperson for Girl Scout cookies, Majorette candy and Band candy. He never missed any of the activities that they participated in, which led to his conversion to being a West High Bears fan. He was also brave enough to teach them how to drive, but also required them to learn basic car maintenance.

Doug is survived by Donna Jean, his wife of 57 years; daughter Kristine (Chad), grandsons Michael and Justin; and daughter Kari (Mike), granddaughter Madison and grandson Tony. He’s also survived by sisters-in-law Josephine and Jeanne; and several nieces and nephews.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Mike and Donna Vladic; his brothers, Mickey, Jack, George, Tom and Don; and his sisters, Helen, Margaret and Doris.

He was loved and will be greatly missed by Donna Jean, Krisser and Tulip.

Michelotti-Sawyers is in charge of arrangements. Cremation has taken place. A private family memorial service will be conducted at a later date.

Memorials may be made to Dementia Research and Treatment or RiverStone Health Hospice.