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, Michigan before moving to Elizabethtown, Kentucky where Michael graduated from High School in 1980. He then enlisted in the United States Army at Fort Campbell, Kentucky. Starting 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. They would later divorce. 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 at noon lunch break. Michael moved to Fairmont, Minnesota in October, 2021 and worked at 3M until retiring in 2023.

Spending time with the ones he loved gave him the most joy. Mike was a wonderful person with the most gentle soul, he will be forever missed. He made the world a better place just because he was the best part of it.

Left to Cherish his memory are his wife, Kimberly Beyer of Fairmont, Minnesota; two daughters, Candice Marie Read (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; Jean Silver of Columbia, KY; Connie (Plough) Kourlas and Deb Blatz of South Bend, Indiana.  Several grandchildren, nieces and nephews and two great grandchildren, as well as other extended family and friends.

Preceded in death by his parents, James Russell Dougherty and Deanna Sue (Blanchard) Dougherty; step-mother, Georgia; brother,  Russell Dean Dougherty; grandparents and his St. Bernard,  Barney and Jake.

Internment will be held at a later date for family and close friends in Kentucky Veterans Cemetery Central in Radcliff, KY. I have to go now, you have to stay. Go on and be happy. Shine like a star. You were the best thing in my life by far.  Never be blue, for I am forever and always with you .