Colleen Dockter, age 66, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, November 12, 2025 at Lutheran Home of the Good Shepard, New Rockford, surrounded by her daughters.

Colleen Estelle Dockter was born on October 24, 1959 to Harley and Doris (Applegate) Vinnard in New Rockford, ND.  She graduated from Maddock High School in 1977.  Colleen was united in marriage to David Abrahamson in 1975 and to this union welcomed two daughters; Kristy Renae and Julie Ann.  Finding the love of her live, she united to Terry Dockter at the Chapel of the Lutheran Home of the Good Shepherd in March, 2008.   

Colleen worked at Red Owl Grocery Store, in the kitchen at the Maddock Public school, and the Maddock Memorial Home.  Most important to her was her nursing as she found fulfillment in building relationships and making a tangible difference in long-term residents’ lives.  Her passion continued as she received her LPN degree from Northwest Technical College in 1998.  This would become her lifelong calling as she put 18 years at the Lutheran Home of the Good Shepherd. 

Colleen suffered from a stroke in 2012, the resulting physical and communication impairments, and subsequent medical struggles forced her to retire at the young age of 52 years.  She was known for her quick wit, lively spirit and was never afraid to speak her mind.  She possessed a delightful sense of humor and a certain spunk that she will be remembered for.  Colleen found joy in tending to her family and friendships.  Most of all, she treasured time with her children, grandchildren, and great-grandson Sawyer, who knew her as “granny red.”   She loved being on the ball field, whether it was watching her grand kids play or simply for them to get a polish sausage.  When she could no longer travel well, she would make sure to catch each football, basketball or volleyball game on the TV.  She loved watching westerns, game shows, and the Minnesota Vikings. 

Colleen is survived by her husband, Terry Dockter; her daughters, Kristy (Tony) O’Connor of New Rockford, ND and Julie (Cody) Ellingson, Bismarck, ND; grandchildren, McKenzie (Tyler) Seaburg, Kaden Jensen, Kaiya (Preston) O’Connor, Kolton O’Connor, MaKayla (Seth) Ellingson, Preston Ellingson;  great-grandson, Sawyer Benjamin; sister, Donna (Dennis) Johnson; brothers-in-law, James (Karla Dockter) and Joe Seiler both of New Rockford, ND; sister-in-law, Charlene Gilliss, Waubun MN; and numerous nieces and nephews.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Harley and Doris Vinnard; mother-in-law, Eileen Dockter; brother-in-law, Kyle Dockter and sister-in-law, Kimberly Seiler.

Colleen’s Visitation will be Monday from 1:00-4:00PM at Evans Funeral Home, New Rockford and will continue from 5:00PM – 6:00PM followed by a Prayer Service at 6:00PM at Lutheran Home of the Good Shepherd Chapel, New Rockford, ND.

A Funeral Service will be held Tuesday, November 18, 2025 at 10:00AM at Viking Lutheran Church, Maddock, ND.

Her Burial will be at Viking Cemetery, Maddock, ND.