Arve I. Viik

Arve Inge Viik of Holly, Michigan peacefully started his journey to Valhalla at home on October 10, 2024, surrounded by his loving family after a short illness. The son of Nils Kristoffer and Oddny Ellinor (Iversen) Viik, he was born on June 17, 1944, in Ålesund, Norway. At the age of ten Arve immigrated to America with his family, arriving at Ellis Island in 1954. Initially settling in an apartment in downtown Detroit, they eventually moved to a newly-built house in Garden City, MI, where he attended Garden City Public Schools. Beginning his career as a stock boy at Food Fair (later Farmer Jack), Arve rose to Third Man Assistant. It was during this time, in May of 1966, at the Venoy Drive-In when Arve, showing off his brand new, midnight blue, 1966 Corvette parked next to a striking young brunette. He asked her through the windows of their cars, “How are you doing?” and then if she wanted to get some coffee. Well, either the Corvette or the Norwegian accent worked. Because on October 29, 1966, Arve and the beauty from the drive-in—Bonnie—married at Good Hope Lutheran in Garden City. They spent the next few years in the area welcoming a daughter before moving to Green Cove Dr. in Holly on Mother’s Day, May 13,1973 where they had two sons and where Arve spent the rest of his life. After 22 years at Farmer Jack, Arve went to Powers Distributing in Oakland County until his retirement in 2004. An incredibly talented artist in high school, he initially considered a career in art but shifted his focus to providing for his growing family. Arve is survived by his devoted wife of 58 years, Bonnie Viik, beloved children Lisa (Todd) Ferguson, Arve (Laura) Viik, Erik (Bliss) Viik, and adoring grandchildren Aron (Jessi), Megan, and Hanna Ferguson, Ean and Evin Viik. He is also survived by his sisters Eli (Roy) Steyskal and Linda Viik, brother-in-law Rick (Barb) Marshall, and many cousins and extended family both in the US and Norway. He was preceded in death by his parents. Arve will always be remembered for his unwavering love of Bonnie—they were hardly ever apart. He was also a dedicated Dad to his children and proud Bestafar/Papa to his grandchildren, never missing a game, performance or recital and celebrating every achievement. Arve loved shopping for deals, walking down Green Cove Dr. in hopes of chit-chatting with neighbors, watching old movies, football and his favorite—the detective show—Monk. He loved grilling, cooking and especially sharing traditional Norwegian dishes with family and friends. He was in golf and bowling leagues and was known to never pass in Euchre. He and Bonnie traveled all over the US and took cruises to the Caribbean and Hawaii. His all-time favorite trip was to his hometown, Ålesund, Norway in 2019 when he went with his wife, kids, and granddaughter. Family traditions included making Krumkake (a special Norwegian cookie) every Christmas when he would wear his God Jul chef’s hat, canning fruits and vegetables, and camping every summer at Camp Dearborn starting in 1970. His infectious laugh and friendly nature endeared Arve to all. He’d strike up conversations with anyone he met. Even the pharmacist at Walmart expressed how much she will miss him, recalling his “smile and sweetness.” Arve also treasured the companionship of loyal friends throughout his life— his dogs Tippy, Buffy and Ike. In memory of Arve, the family requests donations be made to the Salvation Army, 211 W. Kearsley St. Flint 48502 https://give.salvationarmyusa.org/give/164006/#!/donation/checkout , or your favorite charity. www.dryerfuneralhomeholly.com

Arve I. Viik

June 17, 1944 - October 10, 2024