Dorrence Bernard DeCock

Mass of Christian Burial for Dorrence DeCock, 94, of Marshall, will be at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, September 9, at Holy Redeemer Catholic Church in Marshall. A livestream and recording of the service will be available at www.holy-redeemer.com. Visitation will be Thursday from 5:00 until 7:00 p.m., with a Rosary at 5:00 and a Parish Prayer Service at 7:00 p.m., at the Horvath Remembrance Center in Marshall. Visitation will continue Friday from 9:00 until 10:00 a.m. at the Remembrance Center. Interment with military honors will follow the service at Calvary Catholic Cemetery in Marshall.

Dorrence Bernard DeCock was born on February 4, 1928, in Grandview Township, to Frank and Irma (VanHee) DeCock. He grew up on the family farm, and was baptized at St. Eloi Catholic Church in Ghent and confirmed at St. Edward Catholic Church in Minneota. He graduated from Minneota High School, then attended St. John’s University for a few years. Dorrence served in the US Army from 1951 until his honorable discharge in 1953, stationed in Fort Worden, WA. On August 25, 1952, Dorrence was united in marriage to Joyce Kramer at Our Lady of Victory Catholic Church in Lucan. The couple made their home on a farm near Milroy for 34 years until Dorrence’s retirement from farming in 1988. At that time they built a house in Marshall, where they lived for 30 years until moving to Hill Street Place.

Dorrence’s faith was the center of his life. He taught CCD classes in Lucan for 20 years. Dorrence and Joyce traveled to different parishes to share religious videos. He was an avid reader of spiritual books and encouraged others to do the same. The couple enjoyed traveling together, including pilgrimage trips to Mexico, South America, Canada, and several trips to Europe. Dorrence loved telling stories and jokes. He liked woodworking, making numerous special items for family and friends. He enjoyed ice cream and a good glass of chocolate milk. In his free time, Dorrence enjoyed puzzles, cards, fishing, and going to concerts and plays. He especially loved time spent with his wife, children, and grandchildren.

Dorrence died on Saturday, September 3, 2022, at Avera Morningside Heights Care Center. He is survived by his wife of 70 years, Joyce of Marshall; children Carol (Jim) Wathen of Lincoln, NE, Doug (Sandy) DeCock of Lamberton, Tom (Kathy) of Eagan, Diane (Randy) Christensen of Gretna, NE, Colleen (Craig) Turner of New Prague, and Robert (Dija) DeCock of Middleton, WI; 33 grandchildren and 49 great-grandchildren; sister Milly (Don) Swedzinski; as well as many nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, grandson Jeffrey DeCock, and brothers Walter (Delores) and Vincent (Theresa).