Richard Dougherty, of Thief River Falls, MN, passed away suddenly Wednesday, November 14, 2018 at Sanford Hospital in Thief River Falls, MN, at the age of 72.

A Memorial Service in remembrance of Richard's life will be held at 2:00 PM Monday, November 19, 2018 at Grace Lutheran Church in Grygla, MN, with Reverend Vicki Saude-Worthington Officiating.

Visitation will be held one hour prior to the memorial service on Monday at the church.

Richard Ray Dougherty, the son of Ray and Theresa (Amiot) Dougherty, was born on August 3, 1946 in Thief River Falls, MN.  He grew up on the family farm northeast of Grygla. Richard graduated from Goodridge High School in 1964.

On September 18, 1971 Richard was united in marriage to Paulette Hermanson at Our Savior's Lutheran Church, rural Grygla.  To this union five children were born:  Kevin, Shawn, Eric, Bryan, and Travis.  Together they made their home and farmed in Northwoods Township near Grygla for 60 years.  For the last 12 years they have lived in Thief River Falls.

After graduation, Richard worked on the missile bases in North Dakota.  In 1965 he went to work for Polaris Industries in Roseau where he worked in welding, electrical maintenance, and robotic welding.  In 1982 he opened a NAPA parts store in Grygla in partnership with Duane Gram.  They owned and operated the store for 15 years.  Richard also worked for Swanson Logging in Grygla.  After he moved to Thief River Falls he worked part-time for the ODC as a supervisor for the disabled cleaning Arctic Cat.

Throughout the years his main passion was repairing, rebuilding, and restoring guns.  Richard was well known for his gunsmith capabilities.

Richard loved the outdoors and was very proud of his farm.  He enjoyed deer hunting, fishing, trapping, snowmobiling, and riding ATV with his kids and grandkids.

Richard is survived by his loving wife of 47 years, Paulette of Thief River Falls, MN; children, Kevin (Bess) Brambrink of Frazee, MN, Shawn Wells of Big Lake, MN, Eric Dougherty of Grygla, MN, Bryan (Kristine) Dougherty of Grygla, MN, and Travis (Kallie) Dougherty of Grygla, MN; grandchildren, Breann (Pete) Milburn of Ottertail, MN, Kaelan Brambrink of Perham, MN, Teagan Brambrink of Perham, MN, Amber Wells of St. Cloud, MN, Kelly Dougherty of Proctor, MN, Jamie Dougherty of Grygla, MN, Payton Dougherty of Grygla, MN, and Taylor Dougherty of Grygla, MN; mother-in-law, Irene Smith of Thief River Falls, MN; brother and sisters, Marie Sandsmark of Thief River Falls, MN, Alan Dougherty of Thief River Falls, MN, Ann (Nick) Juhl of Milaca, MN, Lu (Steve) Olson of Thief River Falls, MN; his beloved dog, Benji; many nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends.

He was preceded in death by father and mother, Ray and Theresa Dougherty; brother, Jerry Dougherty; father-in-law, Morris Hermanson; and step-father-in-law, Willie Smith.