Bernard, “B” John Dougherty, 88, of New Albin, passed away at Thornton Manor on Saturday May 28, 2022. Bernard was born July 3, 1933 at his parent’s home in rural Waukon, IA. He was the son of Johnnie and Anna (Haas) Dougherty. He attended a rural country school and then graduated from Waukon High School in 1952.
Bernard served in the U.S. Army from 1953-1955. On October 21, 1958 he married Carol M. Byrnes of Lansing, Iowa at Immaculate Conception Church in Lansing. Bernard and Carol lived in Waukon for a short time period before moving to New Albin where they made their home and raised their family.
Bernard worked hard at all that he did through the years including many occupations such as logging, plumbing and heating, and spending most of his years in the LP gas industry, many of those being with Dresselhaus Thermogas. After retiring from National Propane, he continued to work by helping others in many ways, including working with his sons-in-law on their farms.
He gave freely of his time to his church, St. Joseph’s Parish, by helping with the cemetery clean up, church and funeral dinners, no matter what was needed, he was there. He retired from the New Albin Volunteer Fire Department after 30 years of dedicated service. He enjoyed spending time in the outdoors hunting deer, squirrels, turkey, and ducks. He loved spending time with his family, was a devoted grandpa, as his grand and great grandchildren were his greatest joy.
Living family members include his 3 children: Greg (Sally) Dougherty of Waukon, Bonnie (Doug) Weymiller of New Albin, and Bev (Tom) Heim also of New Albin. Grandchildren: Leah Lansing, Avery Weymiller, Amanda (Adam) Leiran, Britney (Brian) Rosburg, Morgan (Shawn) Bjerke, Garret (fiancé Sarah). Great-grandchildren, Keanna, Collin, Carson and Kendall Lansing, Reagan and Raeleigh Cole, Adalyn and Alden Leiran, Briley, Brice, and Brint Rosburg, and Waylon and Raelyn Bjerke. Sibling: Anna (Charlie) Souhrada of TX, four sisters-in-law, one brother-in-law, and many nieces and nephews, and special friend, Nancy Hartley.
Bernard is preceded in death by his parents, wife, Carol, siblings, Florence Lembke, Mabel Sires, Ralph (Buddy) Dougherty, Vincent Dougherty, Marie Harold, Francis Dougherty, and four siblings that died in childhood.
A Visitation will be held from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm with a 4:00 Rosary and a 7:00 Vigil on Thursday, June 2, 2022 at New Albin Community Center in New Albin, Iowa. There will also be a one hour visitation before Mass at the church on Friday.
Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:00 am on Friday, June 3, 2022 at St. Joseph Catholic Church in New Albin, Iowa with Rev. Sean Smith as the Celebrant.
Burial will follow at St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery in New Albin, Iowa.
Thornburg-Grau Funeral Home and Cremation Service in Lansing, Iowa is assisting the family with arrangements