Doris Emily Wilcox

Doris Emily Wilcox, a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend, passed away peacefully on June 4, 2026, at the age of 80. Born on January 15, 1946, in Fargo, North Dakota, Doris was the cherished daughter of Cornelius and Anna (Lyngstad) Rutten. Her journey through life was marked by kindness, dedication, and an unwavering spirit that touched all who knew her. Raised in the warmth of a loving family, Doris graduated from Kindred High School in 1964. She pursued higher education at Jamestown College, where she earned her bachelor's degree in 1968, preparing her for a career that would reflect her compassion and commitment to helping others. As a skilled medical technologist, Doris worked in Minneapolis, Urbana, Illinois, and Great Falls, Montana, bringing her expertise and caring nature to the healthcare field. Later, she dedicated her talents to Lutheran Social Services of Minnesota and Green Thumb, Inc., where her work continued to make a significant impact on those she served. On March 7, 1970, Doris married the love of her life, Lowell Wilcox, at Hope Lutheran in Fargo, North Dakota. Together, they built a beautiful family and a life filled with love and devotion. Doris was a proud and loving mother to her surviving son, Craig Wilcox of Sun Prairie, Wisconsin, and was predeceased by her son Chad Wilcox. Her grandchildren—Carl, Michael, Mia, Samantha, Benjamin, and step-grandson John Sagun—were her greatest joy, and she cherished every moment spent with them, leaving behind a legacy of love and warmth. Doris was a pillar of strength and support to her brothers, Emil (Marilyn) Rutten of St. Michael, Minnesota, and Wayne (Kari) Rutten of Kindred, North Dakota. Her dedication to her family was paralleled by her commitment to her faith community. A devoted member of St. Peter’s Lutheran in New York Mills and later Zion Lutheran of Amor, Doris's service as a Stephen Minister for 15 years demonstrated her deep compassion and willingness to support those in need. Known for her avid love of reading, Doris found joy in the world of books and the friendships she cultivated throughout her life. Her home was often filled with laughter and lively conversation, as she loved visiting with friends and sharing stories. Doris's life was one of grace, humility, and love. Her gentle spirit, unwavering faith, and boundless generosity have left an indelible mark on the hearts of all who were fortunate enough to know her. Her family takes comfort in knowing that she is reunited with her parents and son Chad in eternal peace. A celebration of Doris's life will be held at Zion Lutheran of Amor, where family and friends are invited to gather in remembrance of a life beautifully lived. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Doris’s honor to the charity of one’s choice, reflecting her lifelong dedication to helping others. Doris Emily Wilcox will be dearly missed but fondly remembered, her legacy living on in the hearts of all those she loved.