Thief River Falls – Vernon D. Dokkin was born on January 31, 1935, in Winnepeg, Canada, to Mabel Morran and was given the name Sidney Allen. He was adopted by Louis and Selena Dokkin and his name was changed to Vernon Dean Dokkin.
Following high school, he joined the Air Force and was enlisted for 8 years. He worked in the Intelligence Department as the Director, mostly overseas. He was a sales manager for Bridgeman’s for a time and over-the-road truck driver, making three trips a week from St Paul to to Thief River Falls. Vernon was also the bar manager for the Thief River Falls VFW.
In 1958, Vern was united in marriage to the love of his life, Darlene Meyer. Together they made their home in Thief River Falls. They were blessed with two children, Dean Allen Dokkin and Kent Wayne Dokkin.
Vern loved sports, especially watching the Minnesota Twins. Every Friday and Saturday night Vern enjoyed dancing with Darlene.
Vern was a longtime member of the VFW and spent many hours volunteering driving vets to their appointments.
Vern is survived by his son, Kent (Roni) Dokkin of Thief River Falls, daughter-in-law, Brenda Dokkin (Trent Collins) of Thief River Falls, grandchildren, Jenna (Tyler) Holen, Nick Dokkin, Christopher (Mekenzie) Hoff, Sarah (Tracy) Fanfulik, Talen Dokkin; great-grandchildren, Shaelynn Dokkin, Kendrick Fanfulik, Sully Holen, Cason Hoff, and Cora Hoff; many nieces and nephews; and close personal friend, Ray Troy of Thief River Falls.
Vern is preceded in death by his wife, Darlene Dokkin; and son, Dean Dokkin; his parents, Louis and Selena Dokkin; great-grandchildren, Arlo Allen Holen and Etta Arlo Holen.
Vernon Dokkin, of Thief River Falls, passed away on Friday, July 4, 2025, at Oakland Park Nursing Home in Thief River Falls, at the age of 90.
A Celebration of Life Visitation for Vernon will be held from 1 p.m. until 3 p.m. on Sunday, July 27, 2025, at the VFW in Thief River Falls.
Condolences may be sent at www.johnsonfuneralservice.com.
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