Natalie Kathryn Docter

Natalie Kathryn Docter (née Darguzis), of Manitowoc, Wisconsin, passed away on December 28, 2025, at the age of 90, following a brief illness.

Natalie was a woman of deep faith, quick wit, and steady warmth. In her final days, she was comforted by the words of Psalm 23, "The Lord is my shepherd," a passage she carried close to her heart. She now rests in the peace she trusted so completely.

Born on July 28, 1935, in Joliet, Illinois, and raised in Rockdale, Illinois, Natalie was the daughter of Joseph N. Darguzis and Alvina D. Darguzis (née Parys), both of whom preceded her in death. She graduated from Marquette University in 1959 with a Bachelor of Science in Speech Pathology.

For many years, Natalie was an educator in Manitowoc, teaching at Sacred Heart Elementary School and at Children's House Montessori Preschool. In her classrooms, she brought patience, structure, and warmth to generations of young children, shaping lives far beyond her own family.

A devoted Marquette supporter, she also loved college basketball and delighted in sharing a good game with anyone willing to watch.

In her final years, Natalie found renewed friendship and connection at Felician Village, where she reconnected with old friends and made new ones. She loved that she was able to make new friends later in life.

In 1959, Natalie married John E. Docter. Over 66 years of marriage, they raised a family and built a shared history that would span generations.

Natalie is survived by her husband, John E. Docter, their six children: John J. Docter and his fiancée, Donna Keown, Tim Docter (Jill Schuerman), Joe Docter, Linda Docter Sullivan (James "Kip" Sullivan), Laura Docter (Mark Maurer), and Mary Garcia (Carlos), and her sister, Annette Clews (née Darguzis). She was the proud grandmother of Alexander (Alex) Docter, Carly Docter and her fiancée, Chris Munns, Sarah Jackson and her husband, Leon Jackson, Joseph (Joe) Docter and his fiancée, Magdalene Bumby, Isobel Maja Dupor and her fiancée, Petar Oklobdzija, Jack Sullivan, Gideon Garcia, Malcolm Sullivan, Simon Garcia, Tabitha Garcia, Magdalena (Maggie) Garcia, and Maxfield (Max) Docter Maurer.

Natalie was preceded in death by her parents and by her daughter-in-law, Diane Docter (née Lowery).

Funeral services will be held at 12:00 p.m. on Wednesday, January 14, 2026, at St. Francis of Assisi on Waldo, 1121 N. 14th Street, Manitowoc. Officiating at the Mass of Christian Burial will be the Rev. Doug LeCaptain. The family will greet relatives and friends at the church from 11:00 a.m. until the time of the service at 12:00 p.m. on Wednesday, January 14, 2026. Following the service, a reception will be held at St. Mary's Nursing Home, 1635 S. 21st Street, Manitowoc, in honor of the many friends Natalie and John have made while living there. Natalie will be laid to rest at St. Joseph Cemetery on Alverno Road, Manitowoc.

The Harrigan Parkside Funeral Home and Crematory, North 11th and St. Clair streets, Manitowoc, is assisting the family with funeral arrangements. Expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family by visiting www.harriganparksidefuneralhome.com.

The family extends their heartfelt thanks to the staff at St. Mary's Home for their compassionate care and kindness during Natalie's final days.

In lieu of flowers, Natalie requested gifts be made to the Felician Village music therapy program (attention Renee), 1635 S. 21st St. Manitowoc, WI 54220, or donate online at www.felicianvillage.org.