WILLIAM (BILL) J. DOUGHERTY

William (Bill) J. Dougherty, 82, of Rainy Lake/International Falls, Mn. and Tamarac, Fla., passed away Sunday, April 28, 2013 at Essentia Health St. Mary’s Medical Center.
Bill was born Feb. 4, 1931 in Fort Frances, Ont. He married June Williams on Oct. 30, 1954.
June and Bill, along with their family, owned and operated Rainy Lake Houseboats for the past 34 years. Prior to that, he was a maintenance supervisor at Erie Mining Company in Hoyt Lakes.
He also served as a police officer and an IRC hockey referee while living in Hoyt Lakes. He served in the U.S. Air Force from 1951-54 in Korea.
Bill also had a partnership in the Thunderbird Lodge from 1986-95. He was a member of the VFW, Elks Club, and Knights of Columbus.
More than anything, Bill loved time with his family and friends, Rainy Lake, a good meal, hockey, the Florida sunshine, and the great outdoors. He had a special knack for mentoring young employees and always said “your first job is your most important job,” and the stories we hear bears witness to that.
For the past several years, Bill and June spent their winters in Tamarac, Fla. and summers on Rainy Lake.
Bill was predeceased by his parents, Leo and Mary Dougherty; sisters, Pat Larson, Esther (Tully) Kane, and Myrna Nystrom; and niece, Mary Jean Larson Tannis.
He is survived by his wife, June Dougherty; sons, Billy (Cathie), Charlie (Tammy), and Tom (Tami Renollet); grandchildren, Rachel, Joey, Michael, Lacey, Laura, Thasa, James, Lucas, and Andy; and great-grandchild, Abby.
Also surviving are his brother, Dick (Judy) Dougherty; sister, Delores (Roger) Campbell; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Holy Rosary and visitation will be held one hour prior to the 11 a.m. memorial mass on Friday, May 3, 2013 at St. Thomas Catholic Church in International Falls, followed by a luncheon at the Thunderbird Lodge.
In memoriam donations may be made to the St. Thomas Catholic School, North Star Hospice, or Rainy Lake Medical Center Foundation.
Online condolences may be offered at www.greenlarsen.com