William "Bill" A. Dokken, 60, rural Max, and formerly of Minot, died Monday, Nov. 23, 2009, at his home.

Bill was born Oct. 22, 1949, at Carrington, the son of Alfred and Edith (Hallof) Dokken. He was educated in the Ryder area and graduated from Minot Model High School in 1967. He honorably served his country with the Army and was stationed in Germany during the Vietnam Era from 1968 to 1970.

Upon receiving his honorable discharge, he returned to North Dakota and attended college at Bottineau and later Minot State, where he received a degree in education. Bill taught junior high school at St. Mary's School in Malta, Mont., from 1975-1977.

It was there that he met Jamie Barter and they were united in marriage on Aug. 14, 1976, at Great Falls. They lived in Great Falls for several years, where he worked as an insurance adjuster. They returned to North Dakota in the early 1980s and made their home in Minot, where he was employed with the Ward County Sheriff's Department as a correctional officer from 1985 to2005. He and Jamie had moved to their farm in 1985.

After retiring, Bill enjoyed being on the farm, spending time gardening and canning, along with hunting and fishing. He had recently been diagnosed with cancer.

His loving family includes: wife of 33 years, Jamie; sons, Nathan and Jason Dokken, both of Bismarck; sister, Rose (Howard) Brown, Minot; nephews, Robert Napora, Woodridge, Ill., and Richard Napora, Minot.

Bill was preceded in death by his parents.

Celebration of Life Service: Friday, Nov. 27, 2009, at 2 p.m. in Our Savior Lutheran Church, Max.

Visitation: At the request of family, there will be no reviewal, however, friends may sign a memorial register book today, Nov. 26, from 2 to 4 p.m. in Thomas Family Funeral Home, Minot.

Memorials: Memorials are preferred to the Trinity CancerCare Center, Minot.

Those wishing to sign the online memorial register or share memories are invited to use the expressions of sympathy section at (www.thomasfamilyfuneralhome.com).