KENSETT — George Melvin Dokken Jr., 86, a longtime Northern Iowa ironworker, National Guard veteran and devoted family man whose determination, craftsmanship and love of the outdoors shaped a life filled with hard work and treasured memories, passed away Tuesday, November 10, 2026, at the Lutheran Retirement Home in Northwood.
A Celebration of Life will be held Saturday, November 21, at 11 a.m. at Elk Creek Lutheran Church, 4108 Killdeer Avenue, near Kensett. Visitation will begin at 10 a.m. at the church, with a time of fellowship following the service. George will be laid to rest at Elk Creek Lutheran Cemetery in rural Kensett.
Born September 27, 1940, George was the son of George and Wannie (Elam) Dokken. Known to many childhood friends as Melvin, he grew up on the Dokken family farm near Kensett, surrounded by brothers and sisters and the daily demands of farm life.
Those early years helped instill the determination and strong work ethic that would become defining qualities throughout his life.
In August 1962, George met Vicky Karen Proctor, beginning a relationship that would grow into a lasting marriage and family. The couple married May 2, 1964, in Albert Lea, Minnesota, and welcomed three children, Darin, Jonathan and Kimberly.
Together, George and Vicky built a life around family, work and the enjoyment of everyday moments.
During their early years together, the couple lived for a time in Armstrong, Minnesota, where George and his brother Wilford worked together building two homes. In 1976, George and Vicky returned to the Dokken family farm near Kensett, reconnecting with the land and community that had been part of his childhood.
George proudly served in the National Guard and spent much of his professional life working in construction as an ironworker.
A longtime member of Iron Workers Union Local 512, he was skilled in demanding construction work that required strength, precision and a willingness to tackle difficult jobs.
For George, taking pride in a job well done was simply part of who he was.
Even retirement couldn’t convince him to put away his tools.
He continued working alongside his close friend Charles Stumo, with the two sharing not only construction projects but also a friendship built on mutual respect, hard work and an appreciation for quality craftsmanship.
Their partnership became another meaningful chapter in George’s working life.
Away from construction projects, George and Vicky shared a love for the outdoors. Camping, hunting and fishing were among their favorite pastimes, and they especially enjoyed trips to Waterville, Minnesota, and fishing adventures in Canada.
Those outings provided opportunities to relax, explore and enjoy time together away from the responsibilities of work and home.
George also enjoyed bowling, golfing and playing cards with neighbors and friends. Whether competing in a game or sharing a story, he appreciated good company and the laughter that often followed.
One particularly meaningful family tradition centered around Elk Creek Lutheran Church.
Each year, following the church’s Christmas program, George and Vicky welcomed family and friends into their home for a soup supper. The gathering became a cherished opportunity to share food, conversation and fellowship during the holiday season.
George’s personality was a memorable combination of determination and humor.
He could be headstrong when he believed something needed to be done a certain way, but he also had a playful side and enjoyed making others laugh.
Vicky’s personality complemented his own, and together they made a distinctive pair who shared a lifetime of experiences, friendships and family memories.
Whether working on a construction project, enjoying an afternoon outdoors or gathering around the table with loved ones, George found satisfaction in staying active and being surrounded by people who mattered to him.
George is survived by his three children, Darin (Janelle) Dokken, Jonathan (Sarah) Dokken and Kimberly (Greg Burns) Dokken.
He also leaves behind four grandchildren, DeeDee (Logan) McCaslin, Samantha, Viola and Alexander; and two great-grandchildren, Saphira and Finnley McCaslin.
Other survivors include his siblings, Donald Dokken, Rueben Dokken and Juanita Bolinger; sisters-in-law, Arlis Dokken, Karen Dokken and Donna Dokken; and numerous nieces, nephews, extended family members and friends.
George was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Vicky, who passed away in 2013; his parents, George and Wannie Dokken; and his siblings, Mary (Merle) Klinge, Hazel (Ronnie) Erickson, James Dokken, Truman Dokken, Leslie Dokken and Wilford Dokken.
He was also preceded in death by his infant siblings, Barbara and Sam; his sister-in-law, LaVonne Dokken; and his brother-in-law, Dutch Bolinger.
For those who shared his life, George leaves memories of a hardworking man whose hands helped build homes and structures, whose friendships endured through decades and whose happiest moments often came from simple pleasures.
His legacy lives on through his children and grandchildren, the family traditions he helped establish with Vicky and the lasting connections he made throughout the Kensett community.
Family and friends may share memories, offer condolences and find additional service information through Hogan Bremer Moore Colonial Chapels’ obituary for George Melvin Dokken Jr..
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