Lloyd Wells Dopkins

Lloyd Wells Dopkins, 75, of Mahtomedi, passed away peacefully July 3, 2014 surrounded by his loving family after a courageous battle with Cancer. He was a wonderful husband, father, grandfather and, and his spirit lives on in the hearts of those who knew him. He was preceded in death by his parents, Lloyd and Harriette Wells Dopkins, of Bloomington. Survived by his children Gregory, Randy, Jeffrey, Denise Zipoy (Mike), Michelle Ramirez (Mike) and two grandchildren, Maddy Zipoy and Kayla Ramirez; his beloved wife Carole, her two children, Melissa Fredin (David) and their four children, Christina, Abbigail, Hannah and Ian, and Erik Olson(Andrea) and their three children, Destyni, Ava and Michael; brother Bob (Sandy) of Sauk Rapids. Lloyd grew up in Bloomington and graduated from Bloomington HS in 1957. After various jobs and also owning his own business, he began a long career of twenty years with Aeration Industries, International. He was an engineer in R&D and in 2007 was awarded the Field Installation Globe Trotter Award. He traveled worldwide, combining his job with many memorable experiences; he loved to sail and was able to be a part of the test crew for the World Cup Races in New Zealand; He climbed Machu Pichu in Peru(to the top!). One of his more classified jobs was in Tel Aviv, Israel, and he made numerous trips to China and Indonesia. When he was home, he was involved with his community: President of Lions Club in Loretto, MN, served on the city council there, and was even a volunteer fireman! During that time he was also active in the National Saddle Club of America-He loved and owned horses as well! Here are some memories from his children. When we think of our dad, we think of a guy that liked to have a good time. Even if he got in trouble, it was worth getting a memorable story and lots of laughs. The second trait that comes to mind is that he was a hard worker. His work was always a big priority. He took pride in his work no matter what he was doing-whether he was on a job site, crafting a Flintsone car or building one of several houses. It always had to be perfect. So much so, that you were scared to help out for fear of not being level, flush and perfectly square. We also had some notable vacations. Many years we went to the Ozarks by car-never by plane, but it was always fun. The family reunions in Brainerd were the best ever, with all of our families together having more fun than we knew. Later on there were several salmon fishing trips to Lake Michigan and one really long sailing expedition down the river. (The wind was nonexistent on the way back.) We hadn't done any of those things before, so they were great new experiences. Seriously, who knew salmon fishing could be that fun! As of late, our annual gatherings for Memorial Day weekends were something to look forward to. We had time to kick back, laugh, reminisce and just laugh. We'll miss those times, but are grateful to have had the moments we did. -Denise, Jeff, Greg, Randy and Shelly Lloyd and Carole met later in life but knew right away it was something very special. They had so much in common and were truly soul mates. They just celebrated their 10th anniversary on May 15, 2014, and people said they did more in our ten years than most people do in a lifetime. They honeymooned in Scandinavia, took a Mediterranean cruise on the Cunard Ocean Liner, and enjoyed winter vacations when they could in the Caribbean. Whether they were exploring new places, great restaurants, enjoying jazz music or were down by the St Croix River enjoying the scenery, they always enjoyed every day and lived It to the fullest. Their journey together was not long enough, but they thank God for the time they had and for all those "moments that took our breath away." A Memorial Service will be held Tuesday July 15th at 11:00 AM (visitation from 10 - 11 AM), at CHRIST THE KING LUTHERAN CHURCH, 1900 7th street NW, New Brighton, MN. In lieu of flowers, memorials preferred to Christ The King Lutheran Church or Healtheast Hospice.

Tributes

Lloyd Wells Dopkins

April 11, 1939 - July 3, 2014

Tributes

Lloyd Wells Dopkins

April 11, 1939 - July 3, 2014

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