Alvin L. Dockter

Alvin Dockter, of Great Falls, went to be with his Lord and maker at the age of 78 on November 2, 2017. Al was born in Drake, North Dakota to David and Florence Dockter. He spent his young life on the farm. He graduated from McClusky High School and went on to barber school in Fargo, North Dakota. During this time, he was a waiter so he could pay his tuition. He met his wife, Janice, while barbering in Bismarck, North Dakota. Introduced by a friend they hit it off and married on December 3, 1960. He went to college during the evening so he could obtain his accounting degree. They moved to Great Falls, Montana in 1963, where he worked at the Anaconda Company for 19 years and continued barbering. He continued to barber as he enjoyed the conversations as much as he did cutting hair. Al and Janice raised five children. He enjoyed camping and fishing with his kids. He was a little league coach and eventually became the president of the Northside Little League. He had a passion for all events his children were involved in and participated whenever he could. He was involved in several organizations such as the Jaycees, Moose Lodge, square dancing, and Black Eagle Volunteer Fire Department. He was also a member of the Toastmasters and treasurer of the New Hope Church. He also played the accordion. Alvin held several different jobs through his life. He delivered newspapers to paperboys for the Great Falls Tribune, ran his own lawn business, as well as a tax business. He loved his jobs and always worked to ensure his customers had the highest quality work provided by him. The greatest joy in his life was spending time with his grandchildren. From fishing trips to watching their sports events, he always provided them with encouragement and laughter. Each child maintains memories filled with love. His grandkids were the apple of his eye and he would not say no if one of them requested something of him. His love was unconditional. He was preceded in death by his father, David Dockter and his mother, Florence (Wahl) Dockter. He is survived by his wife, Janice C. (Bauer) Dockter; five children, Christopher (Shelly) Dockter, Lois Beck, Paul (Brenda) Dockter, Mark (Kathy) Dockter, and Pat Dockter; eight grandchildren, Kelsey (Dockter) Peszek, Victoria Meadows, Matthew Dockter, Chris Dockter, Brittany Dockter, Bradley Dockter, Zach Dockter and Tyson Dockter; three great-grandchildren, Gracelyn, Nathan and Eric; and brothers Allen and David Dean Dockter. A memorial service will be held on Friday, November 10, 2017 at 2:00 p.m. at Hillcrest Lawn Memorial Chapel, 1410 13th St. S. Schnider Funeral Home is handling the arrangements.