Vernon E. Dockendorf

Vernon "Doc" E. Dockendorf's promise of his catholic faith was fulfilled when he passed peacefully on April 30, 2024. He was born on March 11, 1933 to Bernard and Mayme Dockendorf, in Alta Vista, Iowa. Following graduation, Doc joined the US Air Force. He was deeply patriotic and was a devoted husband, brother, uncle, and friend. 

Following his honorable discharge from the Air Force, Doc joined the retail food industry in an executive role. A decade later, he found a professional home in the insurance industry. Over a 40-year career, he was a mentor to many, including his brother, daughter, and grandson. His legacy is one of integrity, professionalism, and shared success. 

The love story that he wrote with his 'Moi Cheri', BarBara VandeLoo, spanned 75 years. They lived in Wisconsin, Florida, and their beloved California, before retiring to San Antonio, Texas. On the BarBara D, they sailed the Pacific; on the B25 Bomber, the Yellow Rose, they flew high over the Texas Hill Country. They curated Black Pearls in Tahiti and trained Champion Bearded Collies. Doc lived a full life, enjoyed a successful career and was well loved and admired by those who knew him.

In heaven to greet him are his parents, daughter Margo Dockendorf, brother Cletus Dockendorf and sisters Marita Dockendorf and Arlene Lorenzen as well as brothers and sisters in law, Virginia Dockendorf, Shirley Dockendorf, Merle Lorenzen, Jim Adler, Gene Vester, and Jack Trostle. Left to cherish his memory are his loving wife, his daughter Denise Dockendorf, sisters Myrna Adler and Carol Trostle, brother Robert Dockendorf (Mary), grandsons Thomas Donovan III, and Brian Donovan, many nieces, nephews, friends, and Annie, their 6th and favorite Bearded Collie.

Family and friends are invited to celebrate Doc's life well lived on Saturday, May 18, 2024, 1-3 pm in The Club Room at Landon Ridge Alamo Ranch Assisted Living, 11349 Alamo Ranch Parkway. Family and friends may also join via Zoom. For the Zoom link, please send a request to Matayabrenda509@gmail.com.