Michael "Doc" R. Doyle

Michael “Doc” Doyle, 74, of Medford, passed away on Thursday, September 25, 2025 at The Waterford of Colby, surrounded by family.

A funeral mass for Doc will take place at 11:00 AM on Tuesday, September 30, 2025 at Holy Rosary Catholic Church, with Father Julian Druffner officiating. Burial will take place at a later date.

Visitation will take place at Holy Rosary Catholic Church on Tuesday, September 30, 2025 from 9:00 AM until the time of service at 11:00 AM.

Michael Doyle, affectionately known as “Doc” — a nickname given by friends in high school due to his initials, M.D. — was a pioneer in the tattoo industry. He began tattooing in the early 1980s and quickly gained a reputation not only for his artistic talent but also for his commitment to safety and professionalism.

Doc’s artistic ability was inherited from his mother, Florence Doyle, a local artist and beloved art teacher serving several Medford area Elementary Schools. His creativity was complemented by the strong work ethic of his father, Pete and his brother Pat Doyle, home builders who ran their own construction business. This blend of artistry and determination shaped Doc into both a skilled craftsman and a successful entrepreneur.

He was among the first tattoo artists to adopt sterilization techniques and invest in an autoclave, setting a higher standard for health and safety in the industry. Doc believed deeply in making tattooing a safe, meaningful experience for everyone who chose to express themselves through body art.

Known for his laid-back personality, Doc had a natural way of putting his clients at ease. Over a career that spanned 43 years, he built a loyal following. He was a regular presence at the Sturgis Bike Rally and set up shop at the Medford Fair, where he created lasting artwork for countless individuals. In recognition of his dedication, he was awarded a lifetime membership in the National Tattoo Association in 2018.

Doc’s exceptional artistry, gentle nature, and unwavering standards left a lasting mark on the tattoo community and on the hearts of those who knew him.

Beyond his work, Doc was a devoted family man. Survived by his loving wife Sharon (Frahmann), of 51 years. Together, they raised three children: Leila (DuWayne) Deering of Marshfield, WI, Lacy (Jason) Apfelbeck of St. Francis, MN, and Landon (Rosie) Doyle of Yorkville, IL— the pride of his life; his 8 grandchildren Courtney and Michael Deering, Coy, Jude, Grace and Parker Apfelbeck, Aiden and Delilah, Doyle.

He was proceeded in death by his parents, Pete and Florence Doyle, his brother Pat Doyle, his in-laws Albert and Eleanor Frahmann, his bother-in-law Ronald Frahmann, and sister-in-law Shirley Weiland Anderson, Henry Anderson, and niece Kathy Weiland.

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