Doyle C. Dotson

Doyle C. Dotson, 85, of Moorhead, MN, passed away on Saturday, October 19, 2024, at Eventide on 8th, Moorhead, MN. Doyle was born February 8, 1939, in Park Grove, MT, to Paul and Gertrude (Sanders) Dotson. He grew up in Sidney, MT, where he graduated from high school. He was a standout athlete winning many state championships in football and track. Following high school, Doyle continued his education at Dickinson State University where he received his degree in science, math and physical education. He then went into the National Guard where he was stationed in Fort Leonard Wood, MO, coming home on leave to get married. He married Jeanne Weber on August 29, 1962. He literally walked off the bus and down the aisle. Doyle and Jeanne then traveled to Colorado where he was stationed at Fort Carson, CO. A medical discharge finally caught up with him and he was honorably discharged from the Army. He then accepted a half year teaching position in Drake, ND. The next 2 years he taught in Stanley ND. After introducing wrestling to the school system, he produced a State Champion. Doyle was awarded a National Science Foundation Scholarship to attend The University of North Dakota where he received his Master of Science degree. He then accepted a position in Moorhead MN and was employed in the North Junior High Math and Science Department in 1968. Doyle loved his students, and coached football, wrestling and track. His main goal was to make athletics available no matter what talent the student had. He felt being involved in sports kept the young person out of trouble. He was awarded Young Educator of the Year and Teacher of the Year during his career with the school system. Doyle and Jeanne made their home in Moorhead and Doyle continued his teaching career with Moorhead Public Schools until his retirement. Doyle will be remembered for the impact he had on countless students and young athletes over the years. He will be greatly missed. The most important things to Doyle were his daughters, grandchildren and great grand kids. He was happiest when he could sip a Miller Lite while at family gatherings. It’s been said Doyle is a baby and dog whisperer. His pacemaker has been donated to Iowa State University Veterinary Hospital to save a dog’s life.

Doyle is survived by his wife, Jeanne; daughters, Patty (Paul) Grinde of Bozeman, MT, and Ogema, MN, Jackie (Jim) Mitchell of Ft. Myers, FL; grandchildren, Hallie (Ryan) Tiffany of Fargo, ND, Greyson (Becca Moore) Grinde of Denver, CO, Charlie Mitchell of Ft. Myers, FL; great-grandchildren, Jackson and Julia Tiffany; sister, Elaine Scott; brother, Charles “Gary” (Wilma) Dotson; and was the favorite uncle to many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his siblings, Dona (Gary) Avise, Donald “Bug” (Dorothy)Dotson, Eldon (Dody) Dotson, Waynard “Pat” (Barbara) Dotson, and brother-in-law, Willard Scott.

Visitation will be Friday, November 1, from 10:00 - 11:00 a.m., followed by the memorial service at 11:00 a.m., in Wright Funeral Home, Moorhead, MN.