Dean Doherty

Dean Doherty lost his battle to lymphoma in the arms of his loving family on March 25, 2013. He was born on June 7, 1927 to Elmer & Christine (Van Lanen) Doherty. He met the love of his life, Margaret Smith, while roller-skating at Bay Beach. They enjoyed 11 very happy years of marriage until her death in November 1961. Dean was left behind to raise four young children. He did so with the help of Margaret's sister Betty, who he married years later. Dean was in the US Navy during the end of WWII and always told interesting stories of the places he visited. He loved growing flowers, so he built a greenhouse onto his house. He built a wishing well and flower cart out of wood and adorned them with flowers. Dean worked at Morley Murphy Co as a truck driver his whole working career. When he retired, he started on his passion, which was woodworking. Over the years, he made beautiful pieces and shared them with his family and friends. He was also Mr. Fix-It. If something broke, just bring it to Dean and he would fix it. He did this for everyone whether family, friends and neighbors. His wife, Betty, is at Marla Vista Gardens in an assisted living facility suffering from Alzhe...[more]

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r's. He made nameplates for each resident's door. He also enjoyed an old fashion at the assisted living on Fridays at happy hour. Dean also developed a great friendship with Mike Schuster who owns a lawn care/snow removal business. He looked forward to every snowfall and lawn cutting opportunity so he could work and spend time with Mike and his gang. He did this for 15 years and didn't quit until last fall when he started getting sick. He looked forward every year to the Doherty picnic. He never missed a picnic in 60 years. He leaves behind his wife, Betty; his two sons and their families, Gary & Candia Doherty and Glenn & Barb Doherty. His two daughters, Susan & James Melendy and Mary & James Erdahl. Grandchildren: Jesse Pamperin, Patricia Werner, Cassandra Hicks, Nicole Daniels, Tracy Stauffacher, Thomas Erdahl, Matthew Doherty & Molly Doherty. Great grandchildren, Noah, DJ, Desiree, Destiny, Caylie, Michael, Alexandra, Elizabeth & Annabelle. His brothers and their families: Leland & Rita Doherty, Allan & Joan Doherty, David Doherty and his special friend, Donna Smith. His sisters: Alma & Ken Hilbert and Donna & Ron Buechler. A sister in law: Phyllis Doherty. His special canine companion, Mitzi, who was always at his side. He was preceded in death by his parents; his first wife, Margaret; two brothers, Lyle & Leonard Doherty and an infant grandson, Christopher Pamperin. Visitation will be held on Friday, March 29, 2013 at Lyndahl Funeral Home, 1350 Lombardi Avenue, from 4:00 pm until a time of sharing at 7:00 pm. Military honors will follow. Online condolences may be expressed at www.lyndahl.com. A memorial fund has been established in Dean's name. There are things that we don't want to happen but have to accept; Things we don't want to know but have to learn; and people we can't live without but have to let go. The family would like to thank Heartland Hospice, for all the care that was received. Without them we couldn't have Dad at home during his last days.