Dolores Mae "Dodee" Ocken

Dolores "Dodee" Mae (Beisch) Ocken, 94, of Urbandale, Iowa, passed away surrounded by family on Friday, December 5, 2025. She was born on December 15, 1930 in Boyer, Iowa to Fred and Anna (Madden) Beisch. She spent her childhood in Breda, Iowa alongside her sisters Bonnie and Cathy where the summer nights were spent sleeping outside and spending time with their cousins.

After graduating from St. Anthony's Nursing School in Carroll, she married her high school sweetheart, Dale Ocken, on July 5, 1952. They shared a remarkable 73 years of marriage and were separated for only ten days before being reunited in death - a testament to the deep, enduring love for one another.

Dale and Dodee lived in Urbandale, Iowa, where they raised their six children and built a life centered around family and faith. Dodee dedicated many years to caring for others as a registered nurse at Mercy Hospital and Northwest Medical Center. Her gentle manner and compassionate spirit touched countless lives.

Outside of her work, Dodee was endlessly creative. She loved to sew, craft, and bake, and she poured her heart into every project she made. She sewed clothing for her children and grandchildren - dresses, costumes, and keepsakes. Her sewing scissors were among her most prized possessions, and she never failed to notice when one of her kids borrowed them without asking.

Dodee will be deeply missed for her unwavering support and love for her friends and family. Whenever something goes missing, her family knows they will continue to "pray to St. Anthony," just as she always told them to do. Her influence stretches across generations - from the children she raised with devotion to the grandchildren and great-grandchildren who adored her.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Dale John Ocken; her daughter, Mary Ellen Ocken, and her sisters, Bonnie Adams and Cathy Adams. She is survived by her five children: Jane (Steve) Kiene, Scott (Kathy) Ocken, Lisa (Doug) Mentzer, Barb (Chris) Johnson, and David (Kayelee) Ocken. She is also survived by 15 grandchildren, their spouses, nine great-grandchildren, and five nieces and three nephews.

The family will receive friends from 5-7pm, Wednesday, December 10, 2025, followed by a vigil service at 7pm at Iles Westover Chapel, 6337 Hickman Road, Des Moines, IA. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10am, Thursday, December 11, 2025, at St. Pius X Catholic Church, 3663 66th Street, Urbandale, IA 50322. Interment will be held at 11am, Friday, December 12, 2025, at the St. Bernard's Cemetery, Breda, Iowa.

Memorial contributions may be made to Spurgeon Senior Community, 1204 Linden Street, Dallas Center, IA 50063.

Online condolences are welcome at www.IlesCares.com.

Arrangements by Iles Westover Chapel.