OBITUARY: Gunhild (Asleson) Docken, 1840-1924, Mitchell County, Iowa



                       Gunhild Asleson Docken

Gunhild Asleson Docken was born in Hedalen, Valdres Norway on April 10,
1840.  In the spring of 1858 she came to America and located in Cedar
Township, Mitchell County, Iowa.  In the summer of the same year she
entered into the holy state of matrimony with Tidemand Docken, to whom
she was betrothed in her native country and who also accompanied her on
her journey to America.  Shortly after their marriage they located on
their farm in Cedar Township.  On this place she continued to live until
the time of her death.  Her husband preceded her in death on June 20, 1887.

In their wedlock eleven children were born.  Of these, the following
survive: O.T. Docken of Minneapolis, MN; Mrs. G.O. Brager and Mrs. Anton
Iverson, both of Osage, Iowa; Elvin Docken of Long Beach, California; Mrs.
S.J. (Antonette) Maakestad, Mrs. Nick (Olava) Peterson, Gabriel Docken,
and Miss Thea Docken, all of Cedar Township, Mitchell County, Iowa.  The
last two mentioned children have remained at home and tenderly and
creditably taken care of their old mother during her declining years.
Twelve grandchildren and four great grandchildren also survive.

"Mother Docken" and her husband were among the first settlers of Cedar
Township and experienced the hardships of pioneer days.  Their home has
served as a place of refuge for the many Norwegian "newcomers" of the
earlier days.  Originally it was not a palatial home, but a small log
cabin of few rooms and of primitive construction.  But nevertheless
three or four homeless families for months at a time found shelter
under its roof and enjoyed its kindness and hospitality and there
were never any complaints about crowded conditions.

Mrs. Docken has been a very active woman, not only in her church and
Ladies Aid society, in both of which she was a charter member.  She
also served as a midwife, being called to hundreds of homes in the
earlier days of this community and responded at both early and late
hours.  She had been an exceptionally strong woman and enjoyed good
health until the last few years, in which old age began to show its
weakening effects.  She died January 22, 1924, old age with its usual
complications being the cause.

Funeral services were conducted in the Rock Creek Lutheran Church, which
had been her beloved spiritual home since its erection.  Rev. O.C. Myhre
officiated and interment was made beside her husband and deceased
children in the Rock Creek cemetery on January 25, 1924.


 
       Copyright 2005, Steve Norby