Kenneth Paul Dopkins, age 73 of Osceola WI and formerly of River Falls WI, died on Thursday, November 19, 2020. Ken was born September 28, 1947 in River Falls WI to parents Marvin and Delores (Weschcke) Dopkins. Ken graduated from River Falls High School, where he played basketball, and was a member of the golf team. He went on to further his education at the 916 Vo-Tech School, and serve his country in the Army Reserve. On February 24, 1968 Ken was united in marriage to Betty Jean Jenson. Their union in marriage would be blessed with two children, and over 46 years of love and devotion before Betty’s passing in 2014.
Ken worked for many years as a supervisor with St. Croix Manufacturing in Bayport, and then as a Class A Operator with the City of River Falls power plant. Ken was a member of both the Moose Lodge and the American Legion. Ken took pride in being the kind of guy who kept organized, and constantly worked to monitor all his affairs. He had an affinity for the outdoors, and thoroughly enjoyed hunting and fishing, and hitting the 4-wheeler trails. Ken loved to sit by the water, or just cozy up to a fire at his lake home. It’s the kind of retirement he had dreamt of. Ken also cherished the time spent with his grandkids and great-grandkids – they were his little prides and joys!
Ken is survived by his son, Tony Dopkins; his daughter, Angela (Henry Skrypek) Dopkins; grandchildren, Tom (Lucia) Dravis, and Alex (Megan) Dravis; great-grandkids, Josiah, Gabriella, Elijah, Lila and Benjamin; his siblings, Anne Jensen, Joyce (Leo) Schueller, and Gerald Dopkins; as well as many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. Ken was preceded in death by his wife, Betty; his parents, Marvin and Delores; and brothers, Roy and Charles.
Mass of Christian Burial will take place 11:00 AM Saturday, June 26, 2021 at St. Bridget Catholic Church, 211 E Division St., River Falls, with Fr. Gerald Harris officiating. A Gathering of family and friends will be held one hour prior to Mass at the church. The Mass will be livestreamed to: https://www.youtube.com/saintbridget. Ken will be interred along with his wife at St. Bridget Catholic Cemetery. Military honors will be provided by the Fletcher-Pechacek American Legion Post 121.
Services have been entrusted to the O’Connell-Benedict Family Funeral Home of River Falls. 715-425-5644 www.oconnellfuneralservices.com
