Thomas "Tom" Keith Dokken

Thomas "Tom" K. Dokken, age 59, of Willmar, fell asleep peacefully on the evening of September 15, and on September 16, he woke up in heaven.

Visitation will begin at 12 p.m. followed by his celebration of life service at 1 p.m. on Monday, Oct. 6, at the Willmar Assembly of God Church. Interment will be at Calvary Lutheran Cemetery. Arrangements are entrusted to Peterson Brothers Funeral Home. www.petersonbrothers.com

Born on November 17, 1965, at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, Tom was the youngest of three sons born to James and Reinhilde Dokken, formerly of Willmar, Minnesota. From a young age, Tom had a resilient spirit and a heart full of compassion.

In 1972, the family moved to the Finland Radar Station on the beautiful North Shore of Lake Superior. There, Tom enjoyed the close-knit community of school age friends from base housing and began his lifelong love of the outdoors and hockey. It was also during these early years that Tom began living with epilepsy, a challenge he faced with courage and perseverance—even through the difficulties of school studies and strong medications.

In 1975, the Dokken's settled in Willmar, where Tom would complete his education and form lasting friendships that would accompany him for the rest of his life.

Not long after high school, Tom was diagnosed with degenerative arthritis, and later in life, lupus. Though his body often felt the weight of these illnesses, his spirit remained strong. Later in life with the help of a power scooter, Tom stayed mobile and involved in the things that brought him joy.

Tom found deep fulfillment in serving others. He volunteered for many years as an ambassador for the Willmar Jaycees. For over three decades, he was a dedicated member of the stage crew for the Sonshine Festival in Willmar—an evangelical music festival outreach, that held a special place in his heart. His faith journey began at a Lowell Lundstrom crusade, an event he often spoke of with great gratitude and reverence.

He worked a variety of jobs throughout West Central Minnesota, finding joy especially in cooking and sewing. Tom was a talented seamster, working alongside his mother at “Alterations by Hilde,” where he skillfully altered garments until his hands could no longer keep up.

Tom had a deep love for life’s simple pleasures—fishing, hunting, snowmobiling, and playing poker. He also loved spending time with family, especially his great-nieces and nephews, who brought him great pride and joy. Being “Great Uncle Tom” was a role he cherished dearly.

Despite the many health challenges he faced, Tom never lost sight of God’s goodness. He often reminded his loved ones that “God has always been with me.” His life is a testimony of faith, perseverance, and the sustaining power of grace.

Just recently he was honored by the Legion of St. Michael LEMC, as an associate member of their motorcycle club. They awarded him a beautiful Legion leather vest with official insignias and his personal club name of “Wheelz”

Tom will be deeply missed, but his legacy of love, loyalty, and faith will live on in the hearts of all who knew him.

He is survived by his brothers Joseph (Janet) Dokken of Lake Nebagamon, Wi, Michael Dokken of Chaska, Mn, two nephews, one niece, one great nephew, six great nieces, special friend Debbie Spencer, lifelong friends, and the many whose lives he touched. 

He was preceded in death by his parents, James and Reinhilde Dokken.