Duane Dokken

Minot

Duane Dokken, 85, Minot, died Tuesday, October 14, 2025, in his home surrounded by his loving family.

Duane O. Dokken was born May 19, 1940 in Minot, ND to Oliver Casper and Lola Willamina (Englehart) Dokken. He was baptized and confirmed at First Lutheran Church in Minot.

In 1959, he graduated from Minot Model High School in the same class as his future wife, Sharon Axness. They were united in marriage on June 7, 1962 at Zion Lutheran Church in Minot, where they would make their home and raise a family.

Duane’s life work was in the Dokken’s Dental Lab. He purchased Minot Dental Lab located in the Main Medical Building in 1969. He owned and operated the business until retiring at age 75 after 46 years of dedication to the field of dental prosthetics and retainers that numbered in the thousands.

Duane was a family man first and foremost. He was protective in nature and loved unconditionally. His easy smile, quick wit and happy demeanor will be treasured by those who knew him best and were often the target of his teasing and funny jokes. Jokes aside, he was a lifelong fan of the Minnesota Vikings and Twins, Minot Mallards and UND Fighting Sioux, keeping the faith through the ups and many downs. He was an avid race fan and most Sunday evenings were spent “at the races”.

Duane was a faithful member of Living Word Lutheran Church in Minot and Toastmasters, where he won numerous awards as a part of the club, honing his speaking skills for many years. Summer days were spent at the family cabin on Lake Audubon creating memories that will be treasured forever.

Duane is survived by his loving wife of 63 years, Sharon, Minot; children Shannon Dokken, Minot, Kim Dokken, Las Vegas, NV and Kathy Haskins, Houston, TX; grandchildren Joshua Dokken, Justin (Christina) Dokken, Kori (George) Duenas, Patrick (Melissa) Haskins, and Jonathan (Elsa) Haskins; thirteen great-grandchildren; siblings Lorraine (David) Smith, Harlingen, TX, Gail (Derald) Watland, Lake Havasu, AZ and John (Susan) Dokken, Velva, ND along with numerous nieces and nephews.

Duane was preceded in death by his parents, son Sheldon Sanford Dokken and sister Genevieve Reedy.

Celebration of Life for Duane Dokken: 2:00 p.m. Monday, October 20, 2025 at Living Word Lutheran Church, Minot, ND. To view a recording of the service (available 10/21) or share memories and condolences access www.thomasfamilyfuneralhome.com

Interment: Rosehill Memorial Park, Minot

Visitation: Sunday, October 19, 2025 from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the Thomas Family Funeral Home, Minot.

Memorials are preferred to Trinity Hospice.

Published by The Minot Daily News, October 17, 2025.