Michael James Dockry, son of the late Dr. Patrick Francis Dockry and Genevieve (Doyle) Dockry, passed on December 16, 2020 surrounded by his wife of 51 years, Eleanor Ann Dockry, and his two sons, Michael John Dockry and William Patrick Dockry. He deeply loved his late sister Mary Ann Harty, older brother Patrick Dockry and younger brother Dennis Dockry, their families, and his cousins and relatives all over the country. Mike was a beloved spouse, brother, father, grandfather. He was loved by all and would light up any room he walked into. If he didn't know you when he walked into the room, he would make you feel welcome and you would know him as a friend by the time you walked out, probably before Mike, because he was often the last person to leave. He was Irish, what do you expect. He was proud of his heritage both as an Irishman and a member of the Citizen Potawatomi Nation. Mike's Potawatomi Name was Nan Zhe Jewen (Reflective Water), given to him by his beautiful cousin, Sr. Ginger Pearl, CSJ.
Mike lived life in service to others and knew how to make every person feel comfortable and welcomed. Mike loved people, sailing, any gathering of family and friends, friendly games of tennis, long walks, and animals both wild and domesticated. He would often strike up a conversation with a passing sandhill crane. Once outside of the Saint Norbert Abbey, he asked a pair if they were thirsty and understood their answer. In response, he brought a bucket of water to the cranes who drank their fill. Dogs and children alike were likely to flock to Mike, even in crowds.
He loved his penny poker group, where at least ten percent of the stories told there were true. He loved any dessert and could help his friends (particularly dieting ladies) finish their desserts. A day was not complete without a scoop of vanilla ice cream. And of course, he loved the Green Bay Packers. Before he was a legitimate season ticket holder, he would crawl under the fence at old City Stadium to sneak into a game. He really WAS at the Ice Bowl, and often reminded his boys when they complained at a cold game, that this was nothing compared to the Ice Bowl. He inherited original Packer stock from his father, making Mike's grandchildren (Michael Jose Dockry Paredes, Delia Genevieve Dockry Paredes, Eleanor Catherine Benton Dockry, and James William Benton Dockry) fourth generation Packer owners.
Mike was a leader who was not afraid to enlist helpers, and had the charisma to ensure people would sign up. Beginning in the early 1970s, his community leadership included terms as President of the local chapter of the Ancient Order of Hibernians, Distinguished President of the Green Bay Thursday Morning Breakfast Optimist clubs--distinguished by starting five new Optimist clubs within the region, President of The Neighborly Dance Club, and President of Norbertine Associates. He served on several boards including Saint John's Homeless Shelter, The Micah Center, and on an early iteration of the American Indian Center in Green Bay. Always humble, and a believer in service, he would often continue as a volunteer for decades after his leadership terms were complete.
Mike attended Saint John the Evangelist Grade School, Saint Francis Grade School, graduated from Saint Norbert High School, and attended Saint Norbert College. He enlisted in the US Marine Corps Reserve, and achieved the rank of Sergeant in the early 1960s. Using his talents for bringing people together, Mike obtained his Wisconsin Brokers License and began Dockry Commercial Real Estate. Business for Mike was always about relationships and doing the right thing. He was instrumental in brokering the properties for the Green Bay VA Healthcare Center, three Encompass Child Care Centers, the Norbertine Volunteer Center, and Saint John's Homeless Shelter's The Micah Center.
A devoted father, he never missed his kids' activities like soccer, basketball, a musical, or any other activity in which they were involved. He was devoted to his Catholic faith, and attended daily liturgies. He especially loved when his kids served as altar boys, and sent both to St. Matthew's Elementary School and then Mike to Abbot Pennings' High School, and William to Notre Dame Academy. He was a long time member of Saint Matthew's Parish and more recently a member of Saint Norbert College Parish - Old Saint Joe's. He was a Norbertine Associate and frequently attended mass, and morning and evening prayer at Saint Norbert Abbey.
He was a true lover of life and people. he traveled the world making friends along the way from such diverse places as Spain, Northern Africa, Colombia, Bolivia, Czech Republic, East Germany and then Germany, Belgium, France, England, Scotland, Ireland, Mexico (where he lived on a beach one summer), and Canada. He was even brave enough to cross the border into Bear's country where his boxing skills sometimes came in handy. Mike will be missed but his light and love live on in our hearts.
A funeral service is planned for a later date when it is safe to gather together. In lieu of flowers, memorials to Saint John's Homeless Shelter are appreciated. Mike's memorial Mass can be viewed online at Old St. Joseph's Facebook page. Ryan Funeral Home, De Pere is assisting the family with arrangements.