George R. Dougherty, 83, of Wilton passed away Thursday, March 24, 2022. He was born July 1, 1938, on the family farm. He graduated from Wilton High School in the class of 1956. George enlisted in the Army, serving in the Army Security Agency at Frankfurt, Germany. He and his buddies toured much of Europe when on leave.
George was married to Carolyn Hunt on Feb. 27, 1960; they were married 62 years.
Upon discharge from the service in 1959, George took a “summer’ job with Vincent Brass and Aluminum Company in Minneapolis (a metal wholesale business that grew and changed names over the years), retiring 44 years later in upper management. It was a challenging career, which he loved. He traveled often to all the branches in the United States and Canada for oversight and special projects.
After retiring, George returned to Wilton and enjoyed membership in the Wilton American Legion Unit 508 and participating in the Wilton Area Veteran’s Memorial project. He was a member of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Wilton. George became interested in local politics and served two years as a village board member and four years as village president. His hobbies over the years included gardening, deer hunting, boating, playing bridge and poker, and most of all traveling. He and Carolyn traveled extensively in the United States and to many foreign countries, enjoying time with friends or on their own.
George was a family man and loved participating in activities and taking trips with his kids and grandkids. Holidays were special family times for him.
George is survived by his wife, Carolyn; his son, Scott (Kyung Ae) of Kentucky; his daughter, Colleen (Hal Hawkinson) of Spooner, Wis.; his grandchildren, Sarah, Johnathon (Twin Cities) and Alexander (Kentucky); a great-granddaughter, Sophia (Twin Cities); his sisters, Joyce Rugan, Rosella Vitous and Isabelle Baker; and many nieces, nephews, and grands. Preceding him in death were his parents, George and Elizabeth Dougherty; his brother, John Dougherty; his sister, Mary Ann Geier; and his grandson, Mark Sapp.
A funeral service will be at 11 a.m. Wednesday, March 30, St. at Paul Lutheran Church, 401 Mill St., Wilton. Pastor Cathleen Morris will officiate. Burial will be in Hillside Cemetery in Wilton, with military honors by the Hanson-Stark-Leith-Paeth American Legion Post 508. Relatives and friends are invited for a time of visitation on Wednesday at the church from 10 a.m. until the time of the service.
The Smith-Nelson Funeral Home in Wilton is assisting the family with arrangements.
Online condolences can be offered by visiting www.sonnenburgfamilyfh.com.
