James Dougherty

Sunday, June 6, 2021 1:00 pm

James Dougherty age 96, from Decorah, passed away on Monday, May 31, 2021 at Aase Haugen Senior Services in Decorah. 

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, June 15, 2021 at St. Benedict’s Catholic Church in Decorah, with Rev. Donald Hertges presiding. Burial will be in the Hanover Cemetery in rural Allamakee County. Visitation will be from 9 a.m. until the time of service at the church on Tuesday morning. The Schluter-Balik Funeral Home is handling arrangements.

Jim was born Nov. 20, 1924, to Joseph and Freda (Heim) Dougherty. He was the youngest of six children. Jim grew up in Waukon and graduated from St. Patrick’s High School, Waukon. He joined the Army, 79th Infantry Division, in August 1943. He was injured during the Battle of Normandy, in Northern France. He finished his service in October 1945 with three Bronze Stars and two Purple Hearts. While in the service in Oakland, California, he married LaVonne (Bonnie) O’Malley on June 12, 1945. After service they returned to Iowa where Jim began work for Northwestern Bell Telephone Company as a telephone repairman. He worked with ‘MaBell’ for 33 years, all but one year in Decorah. He retired in 1984. While in Decorah, Jim also served as a volunteer firefighter for over 22 years, serving as Chief in 1965.  In his retirement, he enjoyed helping at his son’s farm and became an active partner at Spook Cave & Campground, McGregor. He was a man of many talents and could fix about anything.  Also, in his retirement, he was a dedicated coffee drinker at the Fire Dept.One of his most enjoyable trips was going to Ireland with his brother, Don, and other family members.

Jim enjoyed the weekly ‘Tuesday night pizza’ family gathering to stay up to date on everyone’s family. He was always ready to spend time with grandchildren and great grandchildren. He was a Lifetime Member of the VFW (Veterans of Foreign Wars) and CWA (Communication Workers of America).In Lieu of flowers: donations may be made to the Decorah Fire Dept at 400 W Claiborne Dr., Decorah, IA 52101 or to St. Benedict School at 307 West Main St., Decorah, IA 52101.

James is survived by his wife: LaVonne Dougherty of Decorah. Children: Dale (Arlene) Dougherty, Decorah, IA; Connie (Tom) Johnson, Garden Prairie, IL; Susan (Rich) Franzen, St. Lucas, IA; Mary Fitch, Decorah, IA and Michael (Terri) Dougherty, Houston, TX. Grandchildren: Amy VanArkel (Ryan), Alison Puls (Adam), Brian Dougherty (Sarah), Jennifer Johnson, Jim Johnson (Brynn), Rich Franzen (Shelly Dowlen), Andrew Franzen (Elyse Running), Laura Johnsrude (Tristan), Melisa Geiger (Jon), Helen Dougherty, Maria Dougherty, Timothy Dougherty. Step-Grandchildren: Julia Benson (Tom), Jessica Arttus.  Great-grandchildren: Jace VanArkel, Jocelyn VanArkel, Madelyn VanArkel, Nate Puls, Brighton Puls, Alice Dougherty, Jack Dougherty, Addyson Johnson, Danielle Franzen, Noah Johnsrude, Grace Johnsrude, Ava Johnsrude, Lydia Geiger, Taylor Geiger. Step-Great-grandchildren: Issac  VanArkel, Kiersten Benson, Jake Arttus, Abby Brueggeman. Step-Great-great-grandchild: Layne Arttus. Sister-in-law: Jean Gander, Wadena, IA along with many nieces and nephews.He was preceded in death by his parents: Joseph and Freda (Heim) Dougherty.  Daughter in infancy: Lynda Dougherty.  Grandson: Matthew Franzen.  Son-in-law: Larry Fitch.  Siblings: Leon (Marie) McGeough; Donald (1st wife, Casey; 2nd wife, Donna) Dougherty.  Sister Mary Imelda Dougherty; Marguerite (Marvin) Faktor; Dorothy (Lloyd) Chalsma.  Father and mother-in-law: Thomas and Florence O’Malley.  Brothers-in-law: Leo (Jeanne) O’Malley and Earl Gander.  Sister-in-law: Helen (Mark) Byrnes