Doris Jean Stock

Doris Stock, age 81, of Mahnomen, MN, died peacefully on Saturday, July 18, 2015, in her home. Doris Jean Stock, age 81, of Mahnomen, MN, died peacefully at her home on Saturday, July 18th while holding hands with her loving husband, Jack, and surrounded by her family. Her last moments will be remembered by the background sounds of her children and grandchildren reminiscing old-time stories and the chattering of her great-grandchildren playing nearby. Doris Stash was born August 22, 1933, in Joliet, IL, to Sophie and John Stash. She grew up in Joliet with two siblings, Anita and John, attended school, and graduated from Joliet Town High. Doris worked for the Ford Motor Company and the Atomic Energy Company after high school to save up enough money for nursing school. Thereafter, she attended St. Joseph’s School of Nursing in Joliet graduating in 1954 as the president of her class. During her psychiatric training at the Fergus Falls State Psychiatric Hospital, Doris met the love of her life, John “Jack” Stock. They were united in marriage on November 26, 1955, in Joliet and moved to Fergus Falls where Jack farmed. Doris worked at the Fergus Falls State Hospital for nine months until crop failure sent them back to Joliet for a few years. They returned to Fergus Falls and eventually moved to Mahnomen in 1958 where they raised their six children. Doris was passionate about people and her community throughout her nursing career. She worked at the Mahnomen Hospital for many years before transitioning into public health and home care. She was a “founding-mother” of Mahnomen County’s public health department and was the first nurse to work for Multi-County Nursing Agency. Doris was also passionate about alcohol and drug abuse helping to start the county’s first chemical dependency program and launch The Center for Human Environment. Doris liked to keep busy and always balanced family with her work. She will be remembered as a hard worker who always saw the positive in every situation. She raised six children with her husband while working full-time. Doris loved to cook and bake homemade bread and had a beautiful singing voice. She was an avid gardener and enjoyed bird watching having a special interest in the blue birds that nested in her yard every summer. Doris was a member of St. Michael’s Catholic Church and enjoyed teaching religious education. Doris fought a seven year battle with dementia but was able to remain at home being cared for by her husband until her death. Despite failing health, they enjoyed going to Apache Junction, Arizona for a month the past two years with special memories of sitting on the patio enjoying the warm sun while enjoying the breath-taking view of the Superstition Mountains and visiting with family. She will be missed dearly. Although her death will be mourned by many, her memory lives on through her family and the people whose lives she impacted with her endless love and generosity. Doris is survived by her husband of 59 years, Jack; sons: Peter (Patricia), Daniel (Paula), Kevin (Nancy), Mark all of Mahnomen, David (Leah) of Winger, MN; and one daughter, Sandra (Scott Henry), of Park Rapids, MN; 17 grandchildren; and 17 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents; in-laws; her sister, Anita House, and brother, John Stash, Jr. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, September 12, 2015 at a 10:00 a.m., at St. Michael's Catholic Church in Mahnomen. Visitation will be 1 hour prior.

Doris Jean Stock

August 22, 1933 - July 18, 2015