GALEN J. DOCKEN
Galen James Docken, age 93, of Osage, died Wednesday June 5, 2019, at the Osage Rehabilitation and Health Care Center in Osage, Iowa.
Cremation has taken place.
Memorial services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Friday, June 14, 2019, at Rock Creek Lutheran Church, 3269 Foothill Avenue, Osage, with Pastor David A. Werges and Deacon Elayne J. Werges officiating. Inurnment will be at Rock Creek Cemetery with Military Honors by the Osage American Legion Post
278. Following the inurnment there will be a time to greet the family and have lunch and fellowship at the church. After the luncheon, the Docken Log Cabin will be open for people to visit.
Galen was born October 27, 1925, in Long Beach, California, the son of Elvin and Olga (Odden) Docken and was baptized at St. John’s Lutheran church in Long Beach. He attended kindergarten thru the 2nd grade in Long Beach, California, then 3rd grade thru 8th grade in Dudley Country School, rural Osage and graduated from Osage High School in 1943. During WWII he served in combat as scout for his platoon in Pacific Theater. He was twice decorated for his bravery with the Bronze Star. Galen was united in marriage to Kathleen Goergen on January 1, 1953, at Rock Creek Lutheran Church in Meroa. He worked construction and farmed the family farm, which was recognized as a Heritage Farm in 2008. Galen was an active member of the Rock Creek Lutheran Church, a 73-year member of the Osage American Legion Post 278 and board member of Mitchell County Historical Society. He was known for his quick wit and story-telling, especially with his morning coffee friends, the Stoney Creek Coffee group. Galen and Kathleen were especially proud of restoring the original 1857 family log house, where they warmly hosted many visitors.
Family was very important to Galen. He was a caring husband, loving father, beloved uncle, and doting grandfather. Galen was proud of his daughters and sons-in-law. He especially enjoyed sharing his love of nature, the farm, and sheep with his granddaughters.
Galen is survived by his wife, Kathleen Docken of Osage; children, Lorraine (Al) Miller of Burnsville, Minnesota, Elaine (Dr. Dan) Hanson of Peru, Nebraska, Mary (Jim) Reed of Lakeland, Tennessee and Jerry (Pat) Kephart of Lake Mills; three grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents; grandson, Bobby Kephart; and sister, Emily Brimmer.
The family is deeply grateful to the staffs at Apple Valley Assisted Living, Osage Rehabilitation and Health Care Center and Mercy One Hospice of North Iowa for the compassionate care for Galen.
Memorials can be directed to Mercy One Hospice of North Iowa, Osage Senior Center, and Mitchell County Historical Society.
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Champion-Bucheit Funeral Home 641-732-3706