Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
Thomas DOCHTERMAN Obituary
DOCHTERMAN, Thomas L.
Born May 24, 1950, died peacefully surrounded by family on November 27, 2011 after a year-long battle with cancer. He was preceded in death by his father, William E. Dochterman and his wife, Karen Hefner. Tom is survived by his mother, Marieda Dochterman, who lovingly tended to him during his illness. Tom is also survived by his loving daughter Kimberly Dochterman Bonnell, son-in-law Randy, and beloved granddaughter Abigail; as well as his brother Bill Dochterman; sisters and brothers-in-law Diane and David Thompson and Michelle and Brad Childs; and nephews and nieces Daniel and Courtney Childs and Kelley, Cody and Katelyn Brown.
Tom was an accomplished artist as well as a skilled tile contractor. He earned his Master's Degree in Art from CSUS in 1977 and his ceramic sculptures are publicly displayed throughout the Sacramento region. He ran a successful tile company for many years and took pride in his craftsmanship. Tom was an intelligent, funny, kind and multitalented person who will be deeply missed by all of his loved ones. In addition to his love of art, he enjoyed literature, cooking, travel, surfing and music. We know he has found peace as we mourn his loss.
A private memorial will be held for close family and friends.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Thomas DOCHTERMAN
Bruce Perkins
February 7, 2023
Bruce Perkins
February 7, 2023
Bruce Perkins
February 7, 2023
ToniDiLeoT DileoToniDiLeoTD
December 6, 2011
Dear Dochterman family. My heart and loving thoughts go out to you with the loss of Tom. During this past year of reconnecting with Tom he spoke so lovingly of all of you. He brought me up to date with your lives, children, careers. He talked of the pleasant times he spent with his mother trying out new restaurants, going to art museums. His granddaughter being the joy of his life. The great loss of his wife Karen.It was apparent how much he loved his family.
I am so grateful to have gotten close to Tom again. He was a sensitive and honest man, a beautiful artist, a lover of fine things in life. I will miss my childhood friend. Much love to the family. Toni
Lee, Patricia and Rebecca Hopkins
December 5, 2011
May God send his Comforter in your great hour of need. May your memories be cherished ones. Our prayers for each are for comfort and peace in the days and weeks ahead. May you find His love for you sustaining.
Rebecca Brown
December 5, 2011
Marieda, My heart and prayers go out to you and your family during this difficult time. I will hold dear all the stories you shared with us at the SPCA of Tom throughout the years, I know he was and still is loved dearly. May the memories you have warm your heart and fill the sorrow I couldnt even imagine you must feel at the loss of your son. You are surrounded by so many people who love you and share your memories of Tom. May this bring some comfort. Thinking of you with much Love,
Rebecca
Diane
December 4, 2011
I am filled with childhood memories and missing our friendship and love that grew as adults. Tom is smiling now, happy and healthy, waiting to see us again.
Mimi
December 4, 2011
My loving brother...Remembering your smile and laughter will warm my heart. The memories of you will never fade. I love and miss you Tom!
Showing 1 - 8 of 8 results
Make a Donation
in Thomas DOCHTERMAN's name
Memorial Events
for Thomas DOCHTERMAN
How to support Thomas's loved ones
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Cope With Grief
Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.
Read more
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreWays to honor Thomas DOCHTERMAN's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
