Archie LeRoy Dokken

Archie Dokken, age 96 of Starbuck, died Sunday, October 20, 2024 at Glacial Trials Memory Care in Starbuck. A private graveside service will be held at the Glenwood Cemetery in Glenwood. Arrangements are with the Hoplin-Hitchcock Funeral Home in Glenwood. 

Archie LeRoy Dokken was born on August 27, 1928, in White Bear Lake Township, Minnesota. Archie was the firstborn son of Alvin and Pearl (Urness) Dokken. His early years were spent on the family farm near Starbuck. He received his education in country school and he was confirmed at Fron Lutheran Church in Starbuck.

On October 20, 1948, Archie's life was forever changed when he married his beloved Esther Splittgerber in Moorhead, Minnesota. The couple settled in the Glenwood and Starbuck area, where they were blessed with four children. Together, Archie and Esther celebrated 64 years of marriage, filled with love, laughter, and shared experiences until her passing on November 16, 2012.

Archie's early work as a taxi cab driver in Fargo, North Dakota, started his career behind the wheel. The majority of his employment was spent driving truck for Schmidgalls in Morris and for Starbuck Cement in Starbuck. Outside of work, Archie had a passion for the outdoors, often found with a fishing pole in hand, enjoying the serene Minnesota lakes. He also enjoyed playing cards and especially loved spending time with his family. Archie's love for polka music was well-known, bringing joy and a toe-tapping rhythm to any gathering. He will be remembered for his meticulous care for his yard. Archie passed away peacefully on October 20, 2024, at the age of 96 at Glacial Hills Memory Care in Starbuck, Minnesota.

Archie is survived by his children, Gladys (Glen) Freese of Terrace, Roger (Michele) Dokken of Las Cruces, NM, and Patty (Greg) Meyers of Glenwood; daughter-in-law, Sheryl Dokken of Cambridge, MN; and his adoring grandchildren, Tracy (Milissa) Freese, Tonya (Bryan) Danielson, Tara (Corey) Poepping, Maureen (Heather) Meyers, Trish (Josh) Phillips, and Lawrence (Tressa) Dokken; and great-grandchildren, Jared, Makayla, Brandon, Emma, Maddison, Avery, Mason, Mercedes, Nolan, Oscar, Willa, and Thea; nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

Archie was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Esther, his son Robert Dokken, and his brother and sister-in-law, Stanley (Carol) Dokken.

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