Irene Dokter

Irene Dokter, 81, of Sioux Center, IA died Sunday, February 7, 2010 at the Sioux Center Community Hospital. Visitation will be held Tuesday at Bethel Christian Reformed Church of Sioux Center from 4-8PM, with the family present from 5-7PM. A prayer service for family and friends will be held Wednesday at 10AM at Bethel Christian Reformed Church with interment to follow at Memory Gardens Cemetery of Sioux Center. A memorial service will be held Wednesday at 11AM at Bethel Christian Reformed Church with Rev. John Lee officiating. The Dokter family prefers memorials be direct to Christian Education or the Sioux Center Community Hospital Foundation. Irene Elizabeth Dokter was the daughter of Charles and Gertrude Dykstra. She was raised in Rock Valley, Iowa and attended Rock Valley schools. Irene married Henry Dokter on June 5, 1951 at the First Reformed Church in Rock Valley. For the first few years of their marriage, Irene traveled with Henry during his time in the service. The couple later made their home in Sioux Center, Iowa to raise their family. Irene stayed home with her children for many years before going to work at Holiday Lanes Bowling Alley in Sioux Center with her sister and brother-in-law, where she made her homemade soup and cleaned. For 20 years, Irene worked side by side with her husband Henry as custodians at the church they dearly loved Bethel Christian Reformed Church. Irene was a member of the Harmony Circle and was a charter member of the Mr. and Mrs. Club. During her active life, Irene enjoyed her bowling team, reading, playing cards, going out for supper with their card club, fishing and camping with friends and relatives and spending time at ball games with her children and grandchildren. Her family will always be grateful for the love and concern she showed for all of them, for the fun and laughter they shared, and for the living testimony of her faith in Christ. Survivors include her husband of more than 58 years, Henry Dokter of Sioux Center; 5 sons and a daughter; 13 grandchildren and 8 great-grandchildren: Douglas Dean and Romy Dokter of Blaine, MN and their family: Daphne and John Bungert, Brittany and Nathan Johnston and Travis Dokter; Kenneth Alan and Arliss Dokter of Sioux Center and their family: Seth and Allison Dokter and children: Jocelyn and Quincy, Matt and Heidi Dokter and daughter, Avery; Philip Brent and Brenda Dokter of Sioux Center and their family: Leslie and Nate Huizenga and children: Justin, Ashley and Logan, John and Rochelle Sapp and children: Kaedyn Rae and Carter; Eugene Mark and Karen Dokter of Alexandria, MN and daughters: Anna and Aleah; Dennis John and Joeli Dokter of Sioux Center with children: Caleb and Ellie; Barbara Lynn and Brian Van Haaften of Storm Lake, IA and children: Courtney and Jayson. Also left to cherish her memory are two sisters-in-law: Adie Dykstra of Rock Valley, Jane Dykstra of Pond Creek, OK; brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Bernard and Lydia Dokter; brother-in-law, Ed Dokter and a sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Evelyn and Walter Blom of Rock Valley. She was preceded in death by her parents, Charles and Gertrude Dykstra; an infant son; three sisters and brothers-in-law: Hattie and Henry Dykstra, Minnie and Pete Groen, Tena and Wilbur Huisman; two brothers: Dewey Dykstra and Norman Dykstra and sister-in-law, Adriana Dokter. Online Condolences Joy Dokter Grand Rapids MI Relationship: niece Dear Uncle Hank and family. I am so sorry for your loss. Aunt Irene was one of the sweetest people I've ever known, and I deeply regret that I can't be there for her funeral or memorial. I'll miss her kindness and sweet smile. Sent: 2/8/2010 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Ver & Shelly Van Beek Sioux Falls SD Relationship: Friend To the entire Dokter family we are sorry to hear of your loss. Your family will be in our thoughts and prayers. Sent: 2/8/2010 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Roger and Nancy Visser Sioux Center IA Relationship: friends How difficult it is to say good-bye to a wife, mother and grandmother. May you find comfort in knowing she is with Jesus. Sent: 2/8/2010 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Dan and Vickie Steenhoek Windom MN Relationship: friend Hank, for many years you and your wife put up with my countless hours of organ practice at Bethel. It goes without saying that you were like family to me as that church was a 2nd home to me... you guys were always there as well. We are so deeply saddened to hear of Irene's passing. Know that you are in our prayers as you endure the hole in your heart of a new phase in life without Irene. If you ever need to get away, come drive and visit us in MN!!((((hugs))))) Vickie Sent: 2/10/2010