Lydia Dokter
Age - 92
December 8, 2023
Lydia (Moes) Dokter, aged 92, of Grand Rapids, MI, passed away in her sleep on December 5, 2023, after having survived Parkinson's Syndrome for more than 20 years. Lydia was born on February 10, 1931, the one hundredth citizen of Pease, MN, to the Rev. Herman and Florence (Boersma) Moes. She was living in Flint, MI when she met her husband-to-be, G. B. "Bernie" Dokter in 1949, and they were married for 70 years. She kept track of the houses they lived in over those 70 years. The total was over 30 in 5 states and 3 different countries. Each one of those dwelling places became a home when she moved into it because she made it so. Her homes were always tidy and welcoming. She was a wonderful seamstress and made all her children's clothing until we moved out of the country. She was a skilled knitter, and learned millinery to make hats, which shortly after fell out of fashion. She was always ready for a new adventure if it didn't involve too much exercise. She always enjoyed learning new things: language (Spanish), a culture (Argentina, Honduras), places (traveling all over the US and Latin America) or a skill, (sewing, knitting, editing a manuscript, or managing a house construction project, and more). Her love of reading and learning she passed on to all her children, who are most grateful for it. Her faith was quiet but deep, the foundation of her personality. She was a full partner with her husband on the mission field. Lydia is survived by her children Jane (Dokter) Compeau, Eric "Ric" Dokter, Margi (Exoo) Dokter, Brian Dokter, Caryl (DeGroot) Dokter, Joy Dokter, Valerie (Dokter) Pruett, Steve Pruett; grandchildren Michael (Tamara) Dokter, Jen (Chris) Voccia, Derek (Lisa) Dokter, Cindy Compeau, Robert Pruett, Rory Pruett, Mickee Dokter, Will Pruett, Jonny Dokter; greatgrandchildren August, Parker, Mathius, Chloe "Clover", Garret, Jaida, Brayden, and Miles; she is also survived by sister Joanne (Moes) Vander Mey and brothers- in-law Ed Dokter, and Walter Blom, and many dear nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her beloved Bernie, parents Rev. Herman and Florence (Boersma) Moes, siblings John Moes, Ted Moes, Marcia (Moes) Bayens Anema, Sylvia (Moes) Van Zee, and Flossie (Moes) Bolhuis, and in-laws Henry Dokter and Evelyn (Dokter) Blom and son-in-law Greg Compeau. A memorial service will be held in the chapel at Zaagman Memorial Chapel, 2800 Burton St. SE, Grand Rapids, MI on Saturday, December 16, at 11am, with visitation with the family at 10am and a light luncheon to follow. In lieu of flowers, she wished donations to be made to Resonate Global Mission.Show more
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