Robert Dean Dockendorff, 85, of San Francisco, Calif., formerly of Danville, died Monday, Dec. 9, 2024, at his home in San Francisco.
Born March 23, 1939, in Burlington, he was the son of Henry and Dorothy Dockendorff. He was raised on the family farm in Danville and will continue its legacy long after his death.
He was a graduate of Danville High School. He received an A.A. degree from Burlington Community College in 1958 and graduated from the University of Iowa in 1960 with a B.A. in Industrial Sociology. He continued his studies with the University of Iowa for several years.
In 1964, Mr. Dockendorff applied for the Naval Officer Candidate School and was commissioned an Ensign in the U.S. Naval Reserve and retired with the rank of Captain in 1988 after 25 years of service. In 1968, Mr. Dockendorff was hired by Pacific Maritime Association where he worked for 35 years, retiring as Vice President in 2003.
He lived in San Francisco, California and continued working on transportation and infrastructure projects. He developed a series of documentary film projects and was active with charitable organizations promoting social change.
He is survived by his sister Linda Johnson of Los Altos, California; niece Julie and great nieces Grace and Elsa and his longtime roommate and friend of 35 years Byron McQuarters Norris.
He was preceded in death by his parents and one nephew.
The Burlington Area Veterans Honor Guard will render full military honors at 10 a.m. Thursday, Dec. 19 at Lunning Chapel. A graveside funeral service and interment will follow at Jagger Cemetery, rural Danville.