Michael David Dougherty

Michael David Dougherty, 63, passed away at 11:40 am on March 13,2025 at Bayside Manor in Gaylord, Minnesota. He was born on August 11,1961 at Emma L. Bixby Hospital to James Russell Dougherty and Deanna Sue ( Blanchard) Dougherty of Adrian Michigan. Michael went to elementary school in Leitchfield before moving to Elizabeth Town Kentucky where Michael graduated from High School in 1980. He then enlisted in the United States Army at Fort Campbell, Kentucky. Stiarting his basic training in Columbia South Carolina where he was awarded expert in hand grenade and M-16 Rifle. His AIT was at Fort Gordon Georgia where earned his diploma for Wire Systems Installer /Operator Course. He was deployed to Joint Security Area Pan Mun Jom in Korea until honorably discharged at Fort Riley, Kansas and awarded the Army Ribbon as well as the Overseas Ribbon. He went to vocational school in Elizabethtown, Kentucky upon returning home where he took a course in electricity / electronics which he had already signed up for his senior year in High School. Michael married Sandra Bennett in 1985, to this union two children were born, Candice Marie and Brianna Nicole. After the union ended , He then moved to Elkhart Indiana where he worked as a machine operator and forklift driver at Patrick Industries before moving to South Bend, Indiana.  Michael was united in Marriage in 2006 to Kathleen (Tina) Plough until she passed away in 2015. During this time he worked several labor jobs before getting a job as label machine operator at Mossberg Industries. Michael was united in Marriage on June 29,2021 to Kimberly Beyer of Fairmont, MN at Mossberg Industries in South Bend, Indiana .Michael and Kim then moved to Fairmont, Minnesota in September 2021 Mike worked at 3M until retiring in 2023. Spending time with the ones he loved and cooking for them gave him the most joy. He loved to watch the wildlife in the backyard especially the woodpeckers and the little Red Squirrels. He enjoyed talking like Scooby Doo , He liked to play sky Rim on PlayStation , enjoyed walking in the outdoors looking for morel mushrooms and wild asparagus, he enjoyed snapping beans and watching his Grandma make pies He was a kind hearted person who never liked to see the bad in the world especially when it came to animals .He was an Avid reader of the Bible and enjoyed reading very much .He loved his cat Oscar and his Dog Barney also Jake who became best friends the minute they met .Mike was a wonderful person with the most gentle soul he will remain always in our hearts and memories . Left to Cherish his memory are his wife, Kimberly Beyer of Fairmont, Minnesota; two daughters, Candice Marie Read and her husband Chance of Poolville, TX , Brianna Nicole Dougherty of Newark, TX; Stepchildren, Dustin Schwebke of Fairmont, MN,  Kristina (Reed) Smith of Richmond, Virginia; Sister, Kelly Walker of Knob Lick, KY; Several Grandchildren nieces and nephews and two great grandchildren, as well as other extended family and friends.Jean Silver his Special lifelong friend his Jeannie Bell of Columbia KY Connie Kourlas of Mishawaka Indiana Sean Peter of South Bend Indiana . Preceded in death by his parents, James Russell Dougherty and Deanna Sue (Blanchard) Dougherty. His Step-Mother , Georgia; Brother, Russell Dean Dougherty; Grandparents and his St. Bernard,  Barney and Golden Retriever Jake . Inurnment will be held at Keokuk Veterans National Cemetary April 25 at 1:00 pm with Military Honors . **He Had a Gentleman’s Charm That Never Faltered** In the tapestry of memories, certain threads stand out, shimmering with the light of genuine warmth and kindness. One such thread is the unmistakable charm of Mike a man who seemed to embody the very essence of gentility. His presence was like a soothing balm, a reminder of what it truly meant to be courteous and poised. There was something timeless about the way he conducted himself. With every interaction, he exuded a natural grace that set others at ease. Whether he was sharing an amusing story or offering a listening ear, his charm never faltered. It was not an act; it was the heart of who he was. In a world that often feels rushed and impersonal, he reminded us of the beauty found in simple, genuine connections. His laugh was infectious, resonating with joy that invited others to share in the moment. He had a rare ability to make everyone feel important, as if each conversation we shared was a cherished exchange. This was not merely about being polite; it was about understanding the nuances of human interaction, a delicate dance that he performed effortlessly. But perhaps what truly marked his charm was his unwavering integrity. He stood as a beacon of sincerity, navigating life’s challenges with a fortitude wrapped in kindness. In times of need, he was a steady hand, always ready to offer support without reservation. His charm was rooted in authenticity, a quality that drew people in and made them feel valued. As we reflect on the legacy of such a character, let us carry forward the lessons he inadvertently taught us through his actions. To embrace kindness, to listen actively, and to engage with the world in a way that uplifts those around us. In remembrance of his gentlemanly charm, we find a guidepost for our own interactions, ensuring that we honor his spirit by embodying the same grace and warmth in our everyday lives. His charm may have been unique to him, but its essence is universal — a timeless reminder of the power of kindness and the impact of genuine human connection. ◦