John Thomas Francis Dougherty

John Thomas Francis Dougherty, age 63, of Mankato, died Monday, October 2, 2023 at his home.

Funeral Mass will be held at 1pm, Friday, October 13, 2023 at SS. Peter and Paul Catholic Church in Mankato with visitation one hour prior. Burial will follow at Calvary Cemetery in Mankato. Livestreaming will be available at www.mankatomortuary.com.

Memorials are preferred to either SS. Peter and Paul Catholic Church (105 N. 5^th Street, Mankato, MN 56001) or Maxfield Place Salvation Army (324 Maxfield Street, Mankato, MN 56001).

John was born February 4, 1960 in South San Francisco, CA. He grew up in South Francisco with his mother, Mildred “Millie” (Copeland) Simonson; father, Warren Dougherty; and brothers, Michael, Patrick, and Dennis. He graduated from El Camino High School in South San Francisco. He lived in San Francisco until 1995, then relocated to Faribault, MN where he was able to reconnect with lots of aunts, uncles, and cousins. In Faribault, John worked at Wimpy’s Restaurant from 1995-2005, Nelson’s Grocery from 1995-2009, and Kunze Rentals from 2009-2012. In 2016, John moved to Mankato and began working for the Mankato Salvation Army.

He was baptized on February 18, 2012 in Faribault. He enjoyed daily journaling and positively documenting his spiritual path. He lived his life by balancing his unwavering faith with a robust sense of humor. John was passionate about giving back to his community and rang bells for the Salvation Army in Mankato during every holiday season. John was thoughtful and caring and prayed for his friends daily. His hobbies and interests included nature photography, church architecture, reading his Bible, biking, and travel.

He was a faithful member of SS. Peter and Paul Catholic Church in Mankato and the Mankato Salvation Army Church and was always willing to lend a helpful hand. His deep faith led him to mission trips in Central America and pilgrimages in Minnesota, Central America, and Europe. He was also a member of the Legion of Mary, Knights of Columbus, Mass Server with SS. Peter and Paul Catholic Church, Saint Vincent de Paul Society, the Mankato Salvation Army, and Laymens Retreat League. He will be missed!

John is survived by his brother, Dennis Dougherty; nephew, David; nieces, Jennifer, Jamie, and Melissa; his chosen family and friends at Maxfield Place, including Victoria Heun and Robyn Thompson; and church family, Deacon Frank Cesario and Father Andrew Whiting. He is also survived by his cats, Fluffy and Faith; many cousins, great nieces and nephews, and friends that he lovingly and proudly called his family. 

John was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Michael Dougherty; best friends, Charles Flynn and Bret Foster, both from Maxfield Place in Mankato and his beloved dog, Brutis.

The live stream link below is a complimentary service provided by

Mankato Mortuary.

Unforeseen technical, internet, facility, and/or acoustical circumstances may produce a diminished end product. Please note, if the live stream does not appear, we are attempting to record and publish the service for later viewing.