Lela Dokken, age 97, Beltrami, MN, died Tuesday, April 10, 2012, at Bridges Care Community Ada, MN.
Lela Mae Fisher was born on September 24, 1914, to Reuben "Harry" and Ada (Bowman) Fisher in Raymond, Illinois. Lela moved with her family to Lockhart when she was 2 1/2 years old and later into Beltrami, MN. She attended school at Lockhart through the 8th grade, and graduated from Beltrami High School in 1933. She continued her education and graduated in 1935, from a secretary course.
On May 25, 1940, Lela was united in marriage to Harold Dokken at Crookston, MN. They farmed for a few years in the Beltrami area. During WWII, Lela worked in Fargo and Mississippi. As a writer, Lela wrote the Beltrami News article for the Fertile Journal for over 20 years and operated the Beltrami switch board for a period of time. She was a long time member of the Methodist Church of Beltrami.
With a warm smile and gentle twinkle in her eye, Lela drew people to her. She enjoyed playing keyboard and sewing.
Lela is survived by one daughter, Phyllis Dokken, Beltrami; and a son, Bruce (Lucille), Thief River Falls, MN; and three grandchildren: Harold (Kristine), Roseau, MN, Matthew (Melody), Thief River Falls, MN, and Monte, Thief River Falls, MN; and one great-grandson, Austin. She was preceded in death by her husband, Harold in 1988; brothers: Ralph, Wayne, Earl, and Paul.

Funeral services will be on Friday, April 13, 2012, at 11 am in the Resurrection Free Lutheran Church, Beltrami, MN.

Visitation: will be on Thursday, April 12, 2012 from 5-7 pm with a prayer service at 6:30 pm in the Erikson-Vik Funeral Home, Fertile, MN.
Burial Fairview Cemetery, Beltrami, MN