Private memorial services for Marian will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Friday, July 3, 2020 at the Hettinger Lutheran Church in Hettinger, ND.  The memorial service will be live streamed through our website and will be available to the public.

Marian Otillia (Dockter) Burck was born November 18, 1936 on the Dockter homestead, Goodrich, ND, the 5 ^th of 6 children born to Jacob and Martha (Dockter) Dockter.  She was baptized, confirmed and married in the Lutheran Church.  She graduated from McClusky High School in 1954 and then attended Minot State Teachers College.  Miss Dockter taught in country school for four years, living with several families of students during that time.

On June 1, 1958 she married William G. Burck.  To this union, four daughters were born:  Tamara Rae, Debra Kay, Tracy May, and Ronda Faye.  They lived in several places prior to 1960, when they moved to Hettinger and made this their home.

Marian was a stay-at-home mom, doing daycare in her home as well as waitressing at the bowling alley for additional income.  After her girls were of school age she worked at various businesses in town:  Sears, Pepsi Cola Company, JC Penney, and West River Health Clinic.  She also worked part time jobs at the Eagles Club and Austad's.

Family and friends were an important part of Marian's life where quality time was a priority.  Each family member owned their own bike, so family bike rides around town were common, as well as family walks, movie nights at the drive-in theater, and taking a drive with ice cream cones.  The family table often included friends sharing a meal, playing cards, working jigsaw puzzles, and board games.  Camping and fishing were a great family and friend pastime as well.

William passed away in 1975, after 16 years of marriage, leaving Marian to raise their young daughters alone.  She took on this job, never feeling sorry for herself, and gave so much of herself to her girls.

Marian was involved in her church, teaching Sunday school and Bible school.  She was a Charter Member of Eagles Auxiliary, where she held various officer positions.  She was humbled to receive the Mrs. Eagle award.  She was active in bowling and attended state and national tournaments.  She enjoyed ceramics, leather work, sewing, and crocheting, giving many of her finished projects away.  She supported her children and grandchildren in their school activities, where she spent numerous hours on the gym bleachers.

She didn't slow down after retirement as she saw retirement as an opportunity to take on new adventures.  She volunteered at the Senior Center, Food Pantry, Hettinger Lutheran Church, Dakota Buttes Museum, and Clothes Closet.  She was also a member of the 2nd Forty Club in Hettinger. She was awarded the 2010 Hettinger Chamber Volunteer of the Year.  She recently enjoyed her duties on the Adams County Election Board and being Bailiff for Adams County Court until her failing health forced her to give that up.

She was quick witted and was known for her quirky little sayings.  She always found a way to extend a helping hand to those in need, often going without herself to put others first.  However, she struggled to accept help for herself as her health declined.

Marian passed peacefully from this life on Monday, December 23, 2019.  She is survived by her four daughters: Tamara (Kevin) Schneider, Hettinger; Debra Burck, Bismarck; Tracy (Dion) Rosenow, Harding County, SD, and Ronda (Christ) Stang, Hettinger; seven grandchildren: Billie (Jasper) Jacobson, Annie Freeberg, Matthew (Brooke) Schneider, Chris (Renu) Eide, Shaun (friend, Stephanie) Bonomo, Amanda (Eric) Fauske, and Mariah (George) Pieros; seven great grandchildren: Jaxon, Danica, Spencer, Reed, Oliver, Ryan, and Zen; sister, Betty (Arlin) Bartels; brother, Duane (Lois) Dockter, brothers-in-Law, Paul Meyers and George Bales, and numerous nieces and nephews.

She is preceded in death by her husband, William Burck; parents Jacob and Martha Dockter, parents-in-law Ralph and Margery Burck; brothers Clifford (Louise) Dockter, Theodore (Norma) Dockter, Roy (Pearl) Dockter; sisters in law Linda Meyers, Joan Bales, and Marilyn Evans; and great granddaughter Adalyn Ray Bonomo.

As per Marian's request, memorial donations can be made to Dakota Buttes Museum or Adams County Food Pantry.