Mackarius Dolchok

Funeral services for Mackarius (Mack) Dolchok of Farris, OK were held Saturday, July 24, 2021 at 2:00 p.m. at Brown’s Funeral Chapel in Atoka with Rev. Benjamin Jacuk and Rev. John Jacuk officiating. Burial was in Farris Cemetery in Farris, OK. Arrange,ents were under the direction of Brown’s Funeral service of Atoka, OK.

Pallbearers were Thomas Nanney, Dillan Hembree, Larry McClendon, Stormy Rinehart, Nathan Mullins, and Chance Stinnett.

In 1937, in a small cabin in the village of Kenai, Alaska, Mackarius Dolchok was born to Mike and Lydia Dolchok. Mack grew up to be a wonderful man devoted to God and family, despite the hardships he faced as a child. His parents passed before he was five years old and he was raised in various boarding schools throughout Alaska.

At the age of 14, Mack returned to Kenai and commercially fished the Cook Inlet with his brothers. He told his grandchildren about his first pet, a baby seal which would often accompany him on the boat during these fishing trips. He lived alone in a family cabin and would take a simple thermos of coffee to school for his lunch. All who knew Mack were aware of his fondness for coffee and fishing which lasted throughout his life.

When he was 18, he received an induction letter into the Army which he quickly slipped back in the mailbox. He immediately enlisted in the Navy where he served in the Korean conflict. He was a member of the Honor Guard and proudly became the arm-wrestling champ on his ship. While on leave in California in 1959, he walked into a dance hall one night and met the love of his life, Merlene. They married within a month and danced for another 50 years. They were blessed with two children, James David and Katrina. When Merlene became terminally ill, Mack took great care of her. His selfless acts of love were an example to all.

During their life together, they lived in California, South Carolina, Oklahoma, and Alaska. Mack was employed as a machinist at Tinker AFB until he became an ordained minister in the Assemblies of God. He began his ministry by preaching at an area prison. In 1979, Mack and Merlene were appointed AG Missionaries to Tok, Alaska, to pastor a closed down church, that they built into a thriving community of believers. Tok AG represents the finest years of their ministry where they formed relationships that lasted their lifetimes. Mack and Merlene also pastored churches in Ft. Yukon, Alaska, and Oklahoma.

“Brother Mack” was a very special man who will be remembered for the way he loved people. For many, it was one of the few times they had been shown unconditional love. He always let you know he loved you and you always knew he meant it. Mack was known by all for his devotion to God. He was a spiritual leader to his entire family, encouraging them to follow Christ.

During retirement, Mack married Carole and they spent 11 special years together. They enjoyed camping trips, taking care of each other, and spoiling their little dog, Missy. He continued to preach at Native churches to spread the gospel. Mack was an enrolled citizen of the Kenaitze Indian Tribe of Kenai, Alaska. He spent his early years subsistence fishing on the Kenai River and passed along a wealth of knowledge to his family.

On July 20, 2021, Mack passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family and will be laid to rest in Farris, OK. Mack is survived by his wife Carole. He also leaves two children: Katrina, her spouse John Jacuk, and James Dolchok. He had 3 grandchildren who were the light of his life: Benjamin, Andrea, and Nicholas. Mack had countless relatives whom he cared for deeply. Mack was the last surviving child of his parents. His siblings Alec, Emil, Antone, Helen, Marie, and Mike preceded him in death. The Dolchoks were a very loving family despite the great hardships they endured. In addition, he is finally reunited with his wife of 50 years, Merlene.

Mack had many adventurous and meaningful chapters in his long, fulfilling life. Anyone who had the honor of his friendship knows Mack always gave others his love and sincerity. He touched countless lives and will be forever missed and remembered. The stories of his life on the Kenai, ministry, and love for God and family, will live on forever.

Condolences may be sent to he family by email to browns@atoka.net. Please reference the name of the deceased in your correspondence.