Born on September 6, 1930, in Omaha, NE, to James and Rose (Dolezal) Doksansky, Dok grew up with his sister, Dolores ''Dodi'' Gruber. He graduated from Omaha Tech High School in 1948 as the first student to complete majors in both trade studies and college prep. Dok later attended Creighton University in Omaha and proudly served in the Naval Reserve and Navy Air Arm as a photographer. Following his service, he worked as a letter carrier for 32 years, primarily in Fremont.
On Super Bowl Sunday, January 14, 1973, Dok married the love of his life, Iris Christensen Smith, and together they created a remarkable love story that lasted over 50 years. Dok welcomed Iris's children into their marriage with open arms, loving them as his own. Stan (Silke) Smith of Rothenbergen, Hessen, Germany; Kathy (Chuck) Sanders of Ardmore, OK; and Pat Harris of Fremont, NE. Together, they were blessed with grandchildren: Shaun Smith and Jody Hintz of Fremont, NE; William (Emily) Sanders of Portland, OR; Tara Smith of Fremont, NE; Samantha (Rudy) Wright of Gatesville, TX; Elizabeth Sanders of Seguin, TX; Benjamin Sanders of Ardmore, OK; and Tom Moissl, Noa Marie Moissl, and Nya Lina Smith of Rothenbergen, Germany. He also leaves behind 18 great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild. Dok was a great husband, father, grandfather, uncle, and friend, and he deeply cherished his family.
Dok is also survived by his nieces, nephews, and cousins, including his sister Dodi's children - Steve, Tom, Greg, Dan, Dick, and Mike Gruber, as well as Bess Searles and Kathy Rose, who were like his own children. He is further survived by his sisters-in-law, Valarie Wollen and Carol Reeg, brother-in-law Larry Christensen, and many other extended family members and friends who held a special place in his heart.
Dok's love for life extended to his community, where he had a remarkable ability to connect with people wherever he went. A proud union member of the National Association of Letter Carriers for over 70 years, he was also a founding member of Frontier Flyers, Inc., and a participant in the Pioneer Amateur Radio Club. Active in the First Congregational Church, UCC, and later the Fremont First United Methodist Church, he also supported the Fremont and Elkhorn Valley Railroad (FEVR) and John C. Fremont Days. Always ready to lend a helping hand, Dok was a gifted storyteller who shared his warmth and humor with all who knew him.
Dok was preceded in death by his parents, his beloved wife Iris, his sister Dodi, his son-in-law Jim Harris, and his nephew Chuck Gruber. He was also preceded by his sisters-in-law Eileen Musbach, Rochelle Sherper, and Linda Christensen, and his brothers-in-law Tom Wollen, Don Sherper, Alan Musbach, and Bob Gruber.
The family would like to express their heartfelt gratitude to Karen Callaway, a dear friend and caregiver, as well as the compassionate home healthcare team at Home Instead and the hospice nursing staff at Dunklau Gardens for their exceptional care and support during Dok's final days.
Family and friends are invited to celebrate Dok's incredible life. The family will greet visitors at Ludvigsen Mortuary Chapel on January 13, 2025, from 4 PM to 7 PM. A celebration of his life will take place at 10 AM on January 14, at the Fremont First United Methodist Church, followed by burial with military honors at Ridge Cemetery. Memorials are suggested to Fremont Veterans Park.
Online guestbook at www.Ludvigsenmortuary.com
Condolences(2)
Carol Smith
Omaha, NE Wednesday, January 15, 2025 Deepest sympathy Pat and family!!Don Dickmeyer
Omaha, NE Sunday, December 29, 2024 Dok was a great guy to be around and to work next to. Lots of laughs and a Peach of a Guy.