Gary Dean Dockum

Gary was born January 11, 1947 in Osage, IA to Harry and Ardene (Ogden) Dockum. He graduated from St. Ansgar High School in 1965 and continued his education at Mankato State, UNI and University of Iowa earning degrees in Speech Pathology and Audiology. Gary worked at Sioux City for the A.E.A. for 2 years before coming to Mason City. He worked with Dr. Russell Shurtz, later moving to his present location and starting Hearing Associates in 1987. In 1992 Stuart Trembath joined Hearing Associates as a co-owner. Gary thoroughly enjoyed his profession. Patients were top priority and he loved his daily routine with the ENT doctors and co-workers. Gary married Carol Piper in 1967 and have three children together, Aaron, Jessica and Joshua. He was on the school board helping the merge of Rock Falls School to Nora Springs and Nora Springs joining Manly School system. He also helped the community transition the Rock Falls School to a community center, where he volunteered for events that included pancake breakfasts on Sundays, fun days activities, and working in the kitchen at auctions. Gary was a boy scout leader taking his scouts on a number of trips to the Boundary Waters, scout camp in Colorado at an Air Force Base, and week-long camps at Winnebago Scout Camp and winter campouts. He loved his little farm town of Rock Falls and cared for all of the residents. Fishing of any sort was a favorite get away, ice fishing at Clear Lake and Marquette held many good memories. Softball was a favorite pastime, sometimes playing with multiple teams in the same summer, and later coaching for 7th and 8th grade baseball. He was a Hawkeye and Twins fan. Gary looked forward to his Dockum Family Reunions and family dinners, watching deer and counting turkeys in the backyard. He is survived by his: wife, Carol; children, Aaron (Angie), Jessica, Joshua; grandsons, Isaac (Danielle) Dockum, Joe Lister (Sydney) and Jake Lister; very special great-grandson and great-granddaughter, Oliver and Haven; cousins; nieces, Kiersten and Missy and their families. Gary was preceded in death by his: parents, Harry and Ardene Dockum; sister, Gloria McNealy and brother, David Dockum. Special thanks to neurologists Dr. Christian Ostrander, Dr. Yarahmadi and to Dr. Mukhtar for his care and kindness. Thank you to Nora Springs Home Health Care for your help as well. In lieu of flowers please direct your memorials to the Rock Falls Community Center.