Robert Dougherty

R.W. "Bob" Dougherty, age 93, resident of Lakota, ND, passed away Friday, May 4, 2012 at the Good Samaritan Center in Lakota.

Robert Wilson Dougherty was born March 24, 1919 at Lakota, ND, the son of Lawrence H. and Bernice ( Wilson ) Dougherty. He attended school at Dodd's country school #1 and graduated from Lakota High School in 1936. He attended Valley City State Teachers College in Valley City , and Dakota Business College in Fargo . He taught school at Bergen country school in Nelson County . On September 22, 1939 , Bob married Marie Allard of Crary, at St. Mary's rectory in Lakota. The couple farmed in Nelson County until 1957 when Bob suffered a serious back injury. He then did bookkeeping for several businesses in Lakota, including Sundeen Elevators and Solberg Motors. In March of 1962, Bob and Marie purchased the Lakota Hotel, Café and Bar which they operated until October of 1971. After the hotel was sold, Bob attended H & R Block tax school and in 1971, he joined Loren Johnson and Terry Devine and formed Nelco Services, income tax, real estate sales, and farm management service. Bob was appointed Lakota City Auditor in 1972, retiring from that position in 1986. He also served as Juvenile Officer for Nelson County . A life long member of St. Mary's Catholic Church of Lakota, Bob served in many capacities, including the church council and Knights of Columbus. He also served on the board of the Lakota Cemetery Association. Bob was always very active in the community. He was instrumental in clearing, planting, and nurturing the evergreen trees at the Lakota Cemetery . He was on the committee to get the first ambulance service started in Lakota and to get a Senior Citizens club organized. When Tri-County Rural Water District was formed, Bob was appointed Secretary/Treasurer. The couple enjoyed travels to both the east and west coasts, Alaska , Hawaii , Switzerland , Belgium , Germany , France , and Holland . While in Holland , they attended the annual Tulip Festival. Bob enjoyed watching and feeding the birds and squirrels. The squirrels would come up to him and eat out of his hand. After his retirement, Bob did beautiful woodworking which he shared with family, friends, and his church.

Bob is survived by Marie, his loving wife of 72 years, a daughter, Ann Marie (Raymond) Capp of Grafton, and a son, John (Cheryl) Dougherty of Lakota. Also surviving are seven grandchildren, Jeffrey (Anita) Capp, Matthew (Laura) Capp, Dr. Patrick Capp, Kathy Woehl, Dawn (Glenn) McLean, Kyle (Amy) Dougherty, and Chad (Kelly) Dougherty; nineteen great grandchildren; eight great-great grandchildren; as well as several nieces and nephews.

Bob was preceded in death by his parents, sisters and brothers-in-law, Margaret and Dick Alwin and Katherine and Chet Loften.

The Funeral Mass for Bob will be held at St. Mary Catholic Church of Lakota on Wednesday, May 9, 2012 at 10:00 a.m. The Celebrant will be Rev. Fr. John Aerts. Music will be provided by the St. Mary Church Choir, Barbara Johnson is the organist. Interment will be in the Lakota Cemetery . The casketbearers will be Jeffrey Capp, Matthew Capp, Patrick Capp, Kathy Woehl, Dawn McLean, Glenn McLean, Kyle Dougherty, and Chad Dougherty. The honorary bearers will be all of Bob's great grandchildren and great-great grandchildren. Visitation will be held at the Aaker Funeral Home of Lakota on Tuesday, beginning at 5:00 p.m. with the Rosary at 7:00 p.m. and the Vigil Service at 7:30 p.m. Visitation will continue at the Church on Wednesday, from 9:00 a.m. until the time of Mass.