"A Strong Faith in God... A true love for her family... and always a heart of kindness for people in need. Her character was one of beauty, and her body one of strength. She was an amazing Mom and Grandmother ."
Alvina Rose Dockter was born March 6, 1921 to Daniel and Berta Meckle, Lincoln Valley ND. Alvina was number twelve out of a family of thirteen children. She left us on April 30, 2016, at age 95, at Missouri Slope Lutheran Care Center in Bismarck, ND. Mom joined her husband and youngest daughter awaiting her arrival in heaven. After several years of silence and frustration brought on by Aphasia and Arthritis, we can almost hear her singing with her daughter and dancing with her beloved Benjamin now. She was preceded in death by her husband, Ben B. Dockter; by a daughter, Kathleen Emily Theologis, and one granddaughter, Robin Lea Russell. Also preceding her in death were her parents, seven Meckle brothers, Jacob, Bill, Gust, Emanuel, Bennie, Art and Edwin; and two sisters, Mary (Gillig) and little sister Emma.
Through the years Alvina was an active member of McClusky Baptist Church, also serving as a board member for many years. She was very involved with her church in women's circles until the time she became a resident of assisted care in Bismarck. Up until her eyesight began to diminish, Mom loved to quilt, crochet and embroider. Over the years she enjoyed hosting many quilting parties in her home. She loved to sing. She traveled and performed with the German Choir for many years. When she wasn't singing she kept busy cooking and baking wonderful German dishes for her family and friends; hostessing large family gatherings. She loved giving "stroodle-making demonstrations" for her girls and grandchildren. Alvina has left us with cherished memories. Her love came through in the hospitality she showed her family and others. Her door was always open, the coffee and kuchen was always at-the-ready. No one ever left hungry and she never met a stranger.

Alvina was born, raised and educated in the Lincoln Valley/Denhoff, ND area. She married Benjamin B. Dockter on April 30, 1938 and together they raised 3 children, Carol Jane, Glenn and Kathleen. She worked side by side assisting her beloved husband in any way he needed for many years, until his death in 1998. She will be sadly missed by her surviving daughter, Carol (Ralph) Berg, Bismarck, ND; her son Glenn (Diane) Dockter; Calgary, Al. Ca; and her sister, Frieda Smith, Sumner, WA. Other surviving family are her thirteen grandchildren; 23 great-grandchildren; and many great-great-grandchildren; along with several "adopted" grandsons and granddaughters throughout the community; all of whom she loved with all her heart.

Services are planned for Thursday, May 5, 2016 at 10:30 am. at the McClusky Baptist Church, McClusky, ND. Pastor Jim Grupp officiating. Visitation will be from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Wednesday at Hertz Funeral Home, McClusky, ND and burial will be in the McClusky City Cemetery.