Gary Joseph Doherty of Rochester died peacefully at home on Saturday, October 24, 2020, after a long battle with cancer.

Gary was born on September 8, 1947 to Emmett and Eleanor Doherty in Preston, Minnesota. Gary graduated from Lourdes High School in 1965.  He then served in the US Army from 1966-1968.

He married Jean Geisinger in June 1969 and was later divorced. Gary graduated from Building Utilities Maintenance class at Rochester Vo-Tech in 1973. He achieved an Associate of Arts degree from Rochester Community College in 1977. In 1981 he married Moose (Martha) Johnson. He worked at the Mayo Clinic in the facilities plumbing shop for 37 years. He had fond memories of the friends he made and the fun he had while working. He retired in December 2010. After retiring, he went to work at the Ronald McDonald House of Rochester in facilities maintenance, for four years.

Gary enjoyed old cars and trucks, tinkering in his garage, golfing, playing pool, learning to play guitar, reading history related books, watching documentaries on TV, being a Vikings and Twins fan, and working out at the Mayo's Healthy Living Center. Gary enjoyed many good times with family and friends and will be remembered for his quick wit and sense of humor.

Gary is survived by his wife of 39 years, Moose; his daughter, Shelly of Maple Lake, MN, sons, Matt (Phuong) of Rochester, and Dustin of St. Paul; three grandchildren, Ryan, Travis and Emily; three great-grandchildren, Arya, Delaney and Kinsley; sisters, Pat (Larry) Fleener, and Ginny (Rick) Ward; brothers, Dick (Deb) of Ashland, KY, Larry and Terry (Deb) of Rochester, Tim of Oronoco, and Jeff (Mary) of Byron; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, and two brothers, Billy and Denny.

Gary asked that special thanks and appreciation be given to the staff of Mayo Oncology and Mayo Hospice.

The memorial service for Gary will be held on Saturday, July 17, 2021 at 3:00 pm at Zumbro Lutheran Church in Rochester.  Visitation will be held on Friday evening, July 16, 2021 from 4:00 until 8:00 pm in River Park Chapel at Macken Funeral Home and an hour before the service at the church on Saturday.

Memorials are preferred to Rochester Ronald McDonald House, Eagles Cancer Telethon, and Zumbro Lutheran Church.