Brad Docken

Brad John Docken (65), Eyota, MN formerly of Rochster, MN and Galesville, WI passed away at home on November 16, 2022.  Brad was born on March 20, 1957 to John and Betty (Swartout) Docken. He grew up on Decorah Prairie where he was an agile and strong tree-climbing-farm kid that loved the water, fishing, hunting, and exploring nature. He always claimed the woods were God’s sanctuary. He graduated from Galesville-Ettrick-Trempealeau High School “G-E-T High” in 1975 and was a lover of the rock era.  He married Jodeen Wink and they had his first daughter, Holly Anna in 1984. They divorced and later Brad met Tracy Syverson, who scrapped metals and antiqued with him.  They had his second daughter Sara Marie in 1990. Brad was a hardworking, tenacious recycler and loved discovering treasures. He hunted ginseng, morel mushrooms, and even a little Golden Seal. Brad spent hours fixing things for himself or others; anything from gadgets, cars, to house repairs. He enjoyed arts and crafts and collecting trinkets to add to his shelves. Brad spent the last six years building and cultivating a life with Debbie Schwartz. He and Deb molded things out of epoxy, made jewelry, painted ceramics, created miniatures and quirky or cute faced creatures. All of his talents, hobbies, and creations were shared with his children and friends. Brad always gave of himself and helped others feel better with his genuine smile and twinkle in his eyes. He enjoyed telling stories that made others laugh. One could get Brad going with a conversation about religion, the afterlife, and especially talk of Heaven and Hell. He loved any kind of story that offered a wow factor and if it was good enough you would likely hear it back a few years later with a few changes! Our beloved father and friend will be dearly missed.

Brad is preceded in death by his parents, Sara’s mother-Tracy, sisters-in-laws Vicky and Jessy, brother-in-law Gary Severson, niece Amanda and by his best friend-Tim Muller.

Brad is survived by his partner Debbie Schwartz, his daughters Holly Docken, Sara (Kyle) Carter, Ezmarelda and Sophie (Dustin Williams) Muller, his grandchildren Chloe Carter, Nolan, Milo and Silas Muller, Violet Kotvas, Pearl Williams, Sossi Parker, siblings Gib (Gail), Ron (Jenny), Sherryl (Ted Strand), Dan (Carolyn), Eric “Louie” (Maryann), Laurie (Curt Marsh), and Shawn (Emily) along with many Docken, Swartout and Hunter cousins, nieces, and nephews.

Friends & Family are invited to a Celebration of Life on Saturday, January 21st, 2023 at the First Presbyterian Church, 20237 West Ridge Avenue, Galesville, WI 54630. Service at 1:00 p.m. with luncheon to follow.

If you or a family member is struggling with addiction, there is help. 24/7 Hotline 1-800-662-4357(HELP)

Memories and condolences of Brad may be shared at rochestercremationservicesmn.com