Terry Dockter

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Terry Dockter, who left us on February 10, 2025. Terry had an unforgettable, infectious laugh that brought a smile to those around him. He had a way of making everyone feel heard by offering a listening ear when you needed it most. Terry is remembered by his quick wit which he offered in most conversations to make sure we weren’t taking ourselves too seriously.

A service livestream will be available at the following link: https://www.facebook.com/firstlutheranofmandan/

A memorial service will be held at 1:30PM, Saturday February 15 at First Lutheran Church, 408 9th St NW, Mandan, ND.

Visitation will be held an hour prior the service.

Terry had a deep passion for cars and loved tinkering under the hood. He truly enjoyed diving into a project and bringing a car back to life. Terry never found a pile of parts he couldn't make use of and the salvage yard was like a second home.

Throughout his working years, Terry was employed at NISC, owned and operated a hometown Tastee Freeze, and was working at MDU at the time of his death. A few years ago, Terry found his true calling—serving ice cream from his beloved ice cream truck. The truck was a labor of love that was put together by salvaged parts and was so perfectly named after his mother, Louise. He was the smiling face that brightened countless summer days for children and adults alike. His favorite customers were usually at Harmon Lake, Grainer Bottoms, classic car shows or nursing homes. He created many memories with his truck not only for his patrons, but for himself as well.

Terry took every opportunity he could to attend sporting events to cheer on his family or watch a good game on TV with friends. Despite struggling with cystic fibrosis, he was always determined to show up for the people he loved and not let his disease stop him from enjoying all that life had to offer. 

Terry leaves behind his father, David Dockter, his step-sons; Joe and Jesse Heck, his siblings; Cheri Klingenstein (Daren) and Larry Dockter (Kim), several nieces and nephews and many other friends and family who will miss him dearly.

He is preceded in death by his mother, Louise Dockter; Grandparents Orville & Inez Hanson and David & Florence Dockter.

His laugh, generosity, and zest for life will never be forgotten. We take comfort in knowing that his spirit will live on in the joy of a child eating ice cream, the hum of a well-tuned engine, and the laughter of old friends getting together for a drink.

Rest in peace, Terry. You will be greatly missed but never forgotten.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation at Online Donation | Default Giving Page