Lowell Dockter

Lowell Dockter, age 96, of South Shore, SD, passed away on June 19, 2022, in Milbank.

Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, June 29, 2022, at 10:30 a.m. at Emanuel Lutheran Church in Milbank. Rev. Tim Rynearson will officiate and burial with military honors will be held at the Milbank City Cemetery. Visitation will be held on Tuesday from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at Mundwiler Funeral Home. Visitation will continue at the church on Wednesday, one hour prior to the service. The service will be livestreamed and recorded at viewable below this obituary.

Lowell Donald Dockter was born on December 26, 1925, northwest of Twin Brooks, SD. He was the son of Otto and Linda (Karges) Dockter. Lowell was baptized at home on March 22, 1926, and confirmed in the Lutheran faith at Emanuel Lutheran Church in Milbank, SD, on April 2, 1944. Lowell has been a life-long member of Emanuel Lutheran Church.

Lowell attended country school at Kilborn #2 in Grant County through the eighth grade. On March 16, 1945, at the age of 19, Lowell enlisted in the United States Army. He served during WWII and served 12 months in Korea as a baker in the 71st Station Hospital. He was awarded the Asiatic Pacific Service Medal, Victory Medal, and the Army of Occupation Medal (Japan). Lowell was honorably discharged on December 16, 1946. Lowell returned to South Dakota and farmed with his father.

Lowell was united in marriage with Ruth Hilke Aden on September 25, 1949, at Salem Lutheran Church in Milbank. Together they farmed northwest of South Shore, SD. In 1964 they purchased the farm from the Gooch family. Lowell served as a township supervisor and on the school board in Mazeppa Township. They retired from farming in 1990 and continued to reside on the farm. Ruth passed away on November 16, 2016. Lowell considered himself as Dwight’s “hired hand” and helped with field tillage work until the age of 95 years.

Left to cherish his memory are his children: Marcene Dockter of Watertown, SD; Merle (Sheila) Dockter of Billings, MT; and Dwight Dockter of South Shore, SD; grandchildren: Benjamin and Hana Dockter of Billings, MT; sister, Ardith Larson of Milbank, SD; and many nieces and nephews.

Lowell was preceded in death by his parents; daughter, Chely Ann Dockter; infant daughter, Darla Mae Dockter; brothers: Elwood Dockter, Arlo Dockter, and Darwin Dockter; sisters: Eleanor Kauers, and Lorraine Aden; nephew, Wayne Aden.