John B. Dougherty

With his family around him, recounting stories of 50 years of annual ski trips out west, John Dougherty quietly slipped away, executing his final “Irish exit," days before his 98th birthday. He lived life to the fullest and never missed an opportunity to tell a good story to anyone who’d listen. He spent his lifetime creating unforgettable – and sometimes dangerous – memories with his family, friends, and relatives. Known by all as Diggy, John lived a large life and was consistently tickled by his good fortune, a successful group of kids, and “not one loser in the bunch." He was proud to have put eight kids through college, but even more so that his blended family of 12 all get along.

He was proud of his time in the Korean War, which inspired his taste for travel, and would happily share his service success in the 97th food inspection unit, where not one person ever became ill. He often mused about how “rich” he was, not because of money, but because of the two loves of his life, his family, friends, and travelling adventures. He skied until his 90th year, rode his bike to his root canal at 92, caught a 25” walleye beauty at 97, and drove until just last year, even if poorly at the end. He could have lived forever, patiently waiting for one of his children to pick him up for his favorite activities: pull tabs, Smear, and Blackjack. He has passed down his zest for life to all 12 of his children, who will continue his legacy of togetherness, playing cards, and shaming the losers. Travel well, Diggy, and we’ll see you for some homemade spaghetti, song, and dance when we see you again. 

John is survived by his children Jane (Jack) Cheesebro, Ann (David) Dougherty Smith, Rick Dyson, Jeff (Kelle Degnan) Dougherty, Jane (Michael) Dyson Vincent, Pat (Gina) Dougherty, Kate (Tom) Worth, Tom (Liz Carlsen) Dougherty, Dan (Becky) Dougherty, Meghan (Vince Jordan) Dougherty, Paul (Molly) Dyson, and Michelle (John) Anderson, grandchildren; Will (Becca) with children Mackenzie and Reilly, Katie (Steve) with children Fulton, Beverly, Jack, and Charlie, Andy, Tim; Anneliese; Reilly, Curran; Kaylie (Ben); Devany (Cody) with daughter Raya, Damon, Lilly, Isabella; Alex, Madelyn; Bethany with children Ryder and Mallory, Deena; Samantha (Steve) with sons Madden and Beckham, Nick (Daisy) with expected baby boy, Hannah; Dominic, Lillian; Nara and Tanner.

He is preceded in death by his parents, wives Dorothy and Mary Kay, seven siblings, and grandson Fritz. 

There will be a Mass of Christian Burial at 11:30 a.m. on Friday, May 23, 2025, at the Blessed Sacrament Church in Hibbing. Visitation will start at 10:00 a.m. and interment will take place at the Maple Hill Cemetery with military honors accorded by the Mid-Range Honor Guard.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Hibbing Foundation, https://www.hibbingfoundation.org/, or SLC6A1 at https://slc6a1connect.org/want-to-help, a patient organization formed to help kids with a rare genetic disorder. This is in honor of his great-grandchild, Reilly Cheesebro.