L. Donald Docken, retired ELCA pastor, passed away November 5, 2014, at the age of 91, at Stonecrest Presbyterian Homes of Woodbury.  Donald was born September 6, 1923, to Minnie and Ben Docken, grew up in Minneapolis, and was confirmed at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church, 24th and Chicago, Mpls.  He graduated from Central High School, Mpls, the Class of 1941.  In December of 1942, during WWII, he enlisted in the United States Army Reserve, and studied in the Army Engineering Program ASTP, 1943, at Montana State University, Bozeman, MT.  Donald served as a Browning Automatic Rifleman in Co. C, 275th Regt, 70th Infantry Divison.  He was wounded in action in February of 1945, and awarded Combat Infantry Badge, Purple Heart and Bronze Star.  He was a proud member of the Hudson VFW.  He attended University of Edinburgh, Scotland, 1945 – 1946.  In 1948, he graduated with a B.A. from Luther College; Luther Theo. Seminary, B.Th, 1951; Princeton Theo. Sem, M, Th., 1956.  In 1948, in Willmar, MN, Donald was united in marriage to Dolores Hanson.  She was an active partner in the ministry for 39 years.  They celebrated 66 years of marriage.  Donald served four parishes:  Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church, Philadelphia, PA, 1951 – 1957, Emmons and Lime Creek Lutheran Church, 1957 – 1962, St. John Lutheran Church, Janesville, WI, 1962 – 1974, and Bethel Lutheran Church, Hudson, WI, 1974 – 1989.  He was involved in a successful building program in all four parishes.  Donald also served many years as Chaplain to the 70th Infantry Division Association.  Donald wrote four books, “Sermon Selections and Other Articles, I and II,” “Combat History of Co. C, 275th Regt.,” and “Thanks Be to God,” an autobiography, all privately published.  He was tour host for 23 overseas tours, including 26 countries.  His most important work was to bring the gracious unmerited good news of salvation, forgiveness and eternal life of Jesus Christ our Savior and Lord, which in thankfulness, leads to service and good works.  

He is survived by his wife, Dolores; three sons, James (Cindy) of Woodbury, MN, Mark (Lois) of Chatfield, MN, John (Cathy) of Moorhead, Mn; six grandchildren:  Kirstin (Daron), Cara, Steffen, Kyle, Kevin and Soren.  He was preceded in death by his brother, Adrian; and sister, Lorna.  

Funeral Services will take place 10:30 AM Monday, November 10, 2014 at Bethel Lutheran Church – Downtown Campus, 920 Third St., Hudson, WI.  Visitation will take place one hour prior to the service at church.  Interment will take place at Fort Snelling National Cemetery, Minneapolis.