Kenneth John Doty, 88, Rochester
Kenneth John Doty, age 88, of Rochester, formerly of West Concord, died Wednesday, Dec. 16, 2015 at Mayo Clinic Hospital in Rochester, Minnesota.
Kenneth was born May 6, 1927 in Wagner, South Dakota the son of Charles and Lenore (Janda) Doty. Ken was raised and graduated from high school in Wagner. Following high school, Ken enlisted in the United States Navy and served in the South Pacific during WWII. After receiving his honorable discharge, Ken returned to South Dakota and attended Yankton College where he received his Bachelor of Arts Degree and met his future wife, Mary Frances Dinneen. Ken and Mary were united in marriage on June 26, 1951 in Yankton.
Ken taught history and coached basketball at various South Dakota high schools prior to earning his Master’s Degree in Education from the University of South Dakota in 1957 which led to his first administrative position at Hartford Public School as superintendent of schools. The couple moved to West Concord, Minnesota in 1965 where Ken served as superintendent of schools for the West Concord school district for 30 years. During his years in West Concord, Ken continued with his education and earned his Specialist Degree in Education from the College of St. Thomas in 1971. Ken’s last three years in the profession were as interim superintendent in Harmony, Minnesota.
Ken’s outstanding career in education includes participation in the “Bush Public School Executive Fellowship Program”, recognition as the “1971 Dodge County Administrator of the Year” and earning the “1981 Minnesota Educational Administrator of the Year” award.
Ken’s continued curiosity of the world and satisfaction in learning was fulfilled by traveling, reading, antiquing, going to the movies and to restaurants. Throughout his entire life Ken enjoyed hunting and fishing, especially with his son Mike. His greatest pleasure was the many friendships he developed and sustained throughout his life. He was a good man and will be missed by many.
Ken is survived by his son Michael (and Brenda) Doty of Milaca; daughters Kathy (and Kevin) Koehler of Edina; Veronika (and Joel) Phillips of Minneapolis; four grandchildren, Kelly (and Kellen) Taylor; Maggie; Sophie and Joseph.
Ken was preceded in death by his wife Mary Frances (2007); his parents; and a brother Richard.
Funeral services were held December 21, 2015 at St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church with Father Kurt Farrell presiding. Interment was in the Concord Cemetery in Concord Township.
Military honors were provided by the Kenyon Veterans Color Guard. Memorials are preferred to the West Concord Fire and Rescue or the West Concord Historical Society.