LeRoy R. Dokken

LeRoy R. Dokken, moved to his heavenly home to be with his Savior and a host of loved ones, most importantly, his beloved wife and first born son, on Monday, July 24th, 2023. LeRoy was born January 21, 1937 in Brookings, S.D. to Elmer and Hildur Dokken. He married the love of his life, Delores, on July 1, 1955 who was by his side until her passing in 2019. Their love, and 64 year marriage is one of their greatest legacy’s.

LeRoy came to Rockford, IL as a young boy via South Dakota, and we all knew South Dakota was never far from his mind. He spoke fondly of his childhood there, and of riding his pony Spot, to a one room school house. He always said every child would be blessed to spend at least one summer on a farm. In Rockford, LeRoy was a teenager in the 1950s and loved to reminisce of those, which would also be some of his favorite years.

At the age of 17, he began his career at Rockford Products where he stayed until retirement in 1999. However, LeRoy never fully retired, he always wanted to be doing something so went on to work part time at Bob’s Hardware, Endries International, Stone Wheel Auto Supply, and Napa Auto Parts.

LeRoy's greatest joy was spending time with his wife and family. He was the family protector and provider. He made a home for his family in New Milford, IL, where they lived for 57 years. He loved taking care of his home and yard, it brought him great joy to provide a safe place for his children and grandchildren to play.

LeRoy loved God, loved life, and lived life intentionally and to its fullest. He enjoyed vacationing with his wife, children, and later the grandchildren. While he loved all the beauty this great country had to offer, his favorite destination was of course, South Dakota. The Black Hills, Badlands, and Deadwood were common stops.

LeRoy was a martial arts instructor, and loved all dance genres. He loved western movies and Country music. He and his wife hosted dance parties in their younger days, and were country dance instructors in later years.

Family history was important to LeRoy, and he took it upon himself to be the family curator. He left us with photographs and hours of video and audio recordings of family holidays and dinner table conversations. The legacy and memories he left behind will be cherished for generations.

He is survived by his children, Marlana Dokken and Stephen Dokken; grandchildren, Jacob, Lindy, and Adam Dokken; adopted granddaughter, Nadine Lennier; sister Nancy Cook and a host of nieces and nephews.

Predeceased by his parents, beloved wife Delores, son Michael, and sister Dorothy Weiner.

Special thanks to Maywood Evangelical Church and Domenic. Memorials to the Children’s Inn at the National Institute of Health, 7 West Drive, Bethesda, MD, 20814-1509; St. Jude, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105; the Shriners, 2900 N. Rocky Point Dr, Tampa, FL 33607, or your favorite charity.

A visitation for LeRoy will be held Saturday, July 29, 2023 from 1:30 PM to 2:00 PM at Sunset Funeral Home & Memorial Gardens, 8800 North Alpine Road, Machesney Park, Illinois 61115, followed by a funeral service at 2:00 PM. LeRoy will be laid to rest in Sunset Memorial Gardens. Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.sunsetfhmemgardens.com for the Dokken family.