Steve Dockter

Steve Dockter, 33, passed away after an extended illness on February 21, 2014. His tender heart and gentle spirit touched the lives of so many. He deeply loved his wife, LaRae Benz Dockter, and their three little girls, Jaci, Cali, and Madi. Steve's life will be celebrated on Wednesday, February 26 at 11 a.m. at Faith Lutheran Church in Bismarck with Rev. Wes Aardahl officiating. Public visitation will be held on Tuesday, February 25 from 3-7 p.m. with a prayer service at 7 p.m. at Parkway Funeral Service, 2330 Tyler Parkway, Bismarck. As a young child, Steve cared for every four-legged animal he could find. When a pet died, he held a burial service with music. He loved spending time outdoors at his parents' home along the river and camping. He spent a lot of time with his Grandma Meyer in his early years and they shared a special relationship. An avid reader, Steve had a broad knowledge about many topics including his Christian faith, business, and investments. He was a journeyman electrician, passing the exam easily and hoped to become a master electrician so he could keep learning more. He currently worked for Dakotas JATC Union. He loved to tell the story about how he married the girl next door. He and LaRae were neighbors in their early childhood years. They had lost touch, and Steve ran into Keith, LaRae's father, and asked how LaRae liked married life. When Keith responded that she wasn't married, Steve's eyes lit up and he and LaRae met for coffee soon after that. They were married in 2006. Steve enjoyed playing with his little girls, nieces and nephews. Always a kid at heart, he loved rough-housing with them, but also enjoyed the quiet moments holding them and reading and talking. Steve's faith was strong, and there is no doubt, that he is in Jesus' arms today and will be praying for all of us until we meet again. In addition to his wife and three children, Steve leaves behind his parents, Ken and Kora Dockter; his in-laws, Keith and Bonnie Benz; his sisters, Shanna Brandon Brady and Kayla Ryan Albin; his brothers-in-law, Bradley Tessa and Derek Kaylee Benz; his sister-in-law, Erin Benz; and his nieces and nephews, Caleb, Cambree, Caitlyn, Bentley, and Eva. He also leaves his grandparents, Leo and Delores Dockter, Beverly Meyer, and Dennis and Bernie Meyer and many aunts, uncles and cousins. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials to be made to: The Dockter Family Benefit Fund, a special account set up for the girls at Gate City Bank.