Patrick Dougherty

Patrick Terrance Dougherty passed away June 5th, 2025, at Hilltop Care Center in Watkins, surrounded by his family. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 AM on Wednesday June 11, 2025 at the Church of Our Lady in Manannah, MN. Visitation will be held from 4:00 - 7:00 PM on Tuesday June 10, 2025 at Johnson Hagglund Funeral and Cremation in Litchfield, MN. Interment will be held at the Church of Our Lady Cemetery in Manannah.

Pat was born on February 8th, 1933, to Patrick and Catherine (Mies) Dougherty on a farm northwest of Manannah, MN, where he also grew up.

On June 6th, 1964, Pat was united in marriage to Marilyn Steil. They first lived in Watkins before they moved to Litchfield where they eventually settled into their home on South Street. There they raised 3 children, Wayne, David, and Sherry. They shared 53 years of marriage before Marilyns death in 2017.

Pat helped on his family farm before getting his first job at a farm in Grove City from 1955 to 1962. He then worked at the Watkins Creamery hauling canned and then bulk milk. In 1966 he began working at the Phillips 66 station in Litchfield, which he loved because he was able to socialize with people. In 1970 he started driving milk truck for First District Association, which turned out to be his passion; he retired in 1995 after 25 years. He then worked part time for a turkey farm in Grove City doing maintenance until 2006.

When Pat wasn't working, he & Marilyn liked to fish and go for drives; often stopping to visit family and friends. In his later years he enjoyed going to McDonalds every morning and afternoon for coffee and visiting. In 2023 when he could no longer stay at home alone, he moved to Hilltop Care Center in Watkins. There he enjoyed bingo, visiting, and going out for ice cream and a ride.

Although he did not often show his affection, Pat was a man that loved his children and grandchildren deeply. He was the first to call and check in on them and enjoyed telling stories of past days. Especially which tires to buy, what motor is the best, and which highways to avoid.

Pat will be missed for his stories, knowledge of the past, and unforgettable wit. He knew anything to do with trucking or driving and after years of visiting he seemed to know everyone and their brother. He had the best smirk, and wasn't afraid to let you know when you were "acting diddly".

Pat is survived by his children Wayne (Ruth) of Willmar, David (Sandy) of Litchfield, Sherry (Graham) Stevenson of Eden Valley. Grandchildren: Irene, Francine, Heather (Tom) Niesen, Jesse Stenger, Ashley (Dinny) Yang, Tiffany, Stephanie (Evan) Karl, Steven (Alyssa), Samuel, Becca (Elijah) Steinemann. 20 Great Grandchildren. Brother Alvin (Joyce), Brother-in-law Frank Steil (Rose), Sister-in-law Debbie Steil and many nieces and nephews.

Pat was preceded in death by his wife Marilyn, son Gerald, 1 great granddaughter, his parents, siblings: Raymond (Diane), Edward (Evelyn), Lorraine, and Richard (Sonja) and brother-in-law Jim Steil.

Special thank you to the staff at Hilltop Care Center in Watkins for providing exceptional care the last 2 years, Pat truly enjoyed living there and we can never thank you enough for all you did for him. Also thank you to Moments Hospice for making his last days more comfortable.