Melvin Dockter, 71, Yuma Az., died March 2, 2017 at Yuma Regional Medical Hospital. Memorial Services to honor and give thanks for Melvin will be held on Friday, May 12, 2017 at 11 AM at Faith Lutheran Church, 1402 East Avenue C., Bismarck with the Rev. Jon Splichal Larson and Rev. Sylvia Bull officiating. Military Honors following at 2 PM at North Dakota Veterans Cemetery, Mandan. Melvin was born August 22, 1945 at Linton Hospital, the son of John J. and Alma (Bollinger) Dockter. He was raised on the family farm and was baptized and confirmed at Peace Lutheran Church. Mel graduated from Linton High School in 1963 and from North Dakota State College of Science, Wahpeton in 1965 receiving an Associate Degree in Electrical Engineering. He served in the United States Marine Corp on July 12, 1966 and was stationed at Camp Pendleton, CA and served in Vietnam. He reached the rank of Corporal and was awarded with Natl. Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal, Good Conduct Medal and Rifle Sharp Shooter Badge. He was honorably discharged in 1972. After his return he resided in Edmonds, WA. there he worked in the electrical industry and became a master electrician. After his retirement he moved to Wilbur, WA later to Yuma AZ, where he presently resided. He loved playing piano and accordion, as he truly was gifted with a talent of music. He could listen to a song and moments later play the song by ear. One of his favorites was "In Heaven there is no beer." Mel will be remembered for his contagious laugh and his friendly outgoing personality that attracted many people to him. He also had a special relationship with his niece, Darcey Engelke, they were not only uncle and niece but friends who listened and understood each other. Melvin is survived by one brother and sister-in-law, Leo and Delores, two sisters and brother-in-law, Evelyn and Jerome Kelsch, and Irene Gereszek all of Bismarck; two nephews and nine nieces. He was preceded in death by an infant child, his parents, an infant brother and brother-in-law, Don Gereszek. Former spouses Sandra (Lerbakken) Dockter and Sharon (Peterson) Dockter. Condolences may be sent to 3020 E. Colorado Dr. Unit B Bismarck, ND or may be expressed online at http://www.sunsetvistafuneralhome.com/