Byron E. Dopkins, Sr. age 85 of River Falls died Friday, September 2, 2016 at his home. He was born the son of Byron and Elizabeth (Petrie) Dopkins on December 15, 1930 in River Falls. Byron graduated from River Falls High School and the Eau Claire School of Business with a degree in accounting. In 1951 he married Janet Tyler and soon after was drafted and entered the U.S. Marines serving during the Korean War. He was stationed in Hawaii, “guarding the beaches of Waikiki” as he would say. He was honorably discharged a Staff Sergeant in September 1953 along with sharp shooting achievement. Byron worked bookkeeping for a transportation business for 23 years before starting Dopkins Accounting in the fall of 1969. In 1992, he sold the business to his son and continued to work until retiring in 1996. Byron was known for his leadership and decision making abilities as well as his involvement in the community and his church. He was an active member of First Covenant Church and was very involved with the youth group. He was also president of the Lions Club and president of the Wisconsin Association of Accountants. He received the Birch Strum Award as well as the Melvin Jones National award. In retirement, Byron and Janet moved to Amery and enjoyed volunteering with the Amery Community Center, especially at the brat stand. Hunting, camping vacations with family, flower gardening, and going to auctions were things Byron loved to do. He will be remembered for his cooked chicken on the grill and for his sense of humor. Byron is survived by his wife, Janet; children, Nancy (Del) Anderson, Joni (David) Kolb, Byron (Vicki) Dopkins, Cindy (Dale) Tretsven, Pamela (Frank) Ekstrom, Lori (Dennys) Bisogno; grandchildren, Amy Theis, Troy Theis, Travis Theis, Andrew (Linda) Johnson, Heidi Kolb, Elizabeth (David) Mathis, Gretchen (Mike) Bux, Kimberly (Edison) Luciano, Benjamin Kolb, Sarah (Daren) Cotter, Benjamin Dopkins, Tyler Tretsven, Richard (Anna) Tretsven, Andrew Tretsven, Stephanie Sims, Jordan Sims, Jeffrey Sims, Sebastian Bisogno, Samantha Bisogno, Dominic Bisogno; 20 great-grandchildren; brother, Dale (Pam) Dopkins; sister-in-law, Nancy Dopkins; nieces, nephews, relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, Byron L. and Elizabeth Dopkins; siblings, Gordon Dopkins, Rhoda Wood, Shirley Gelo and granddaughter, Dawn Marie Theis. A memorial service was held Tuesday, September 6, 2016 at First Covenant Church in River Falls. Military honors were performed by the River Falls American Legion Post 121 immediately following the service. A memorial service was held Friday, September 9, 2016 at 2 pm at Apple River Community Church in Amery, WI. Visitation took place at the church from 1-2 pm. Arrangements are with Bakken-Young Funeral & Cremation Services of River Falls
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4 Comments
My sympathy to Byron’s family, I always enjoyed my time with Bryon. He was always kind, fair and had a subtle sense of humor. A true gentleman.
I considered myself lucky to be part of this family through marriage. Byron and his family have always been a steady and loving influence. He will be missed.
Our Sympathy to Byron’s family. You have to think that God needs a Great accountant with a never ending sense of Humor.
To the Dopkins family, I’m sorry for your loss. Please accept my sincere condolences. It’s heartbreaking to read of such sad news, and I know you must be going through an extremely difficult time. May Jehovah, “the God of tender mercies and the God of all comfort,” be with your family. (2 Corinthians 1:3,4) He is aware of the pain you are feeling. Psalm 147:3 says, “He heals the brokenhearted; He binds up their wounds.” These are just a few of many scriptures that has brought comfort to my family during times of bereavement. I hope that they bring comfort to your family as well.
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