Michael Eugene Dougherty, 83, of Columbia Falls, passed away Dec. 29, 2011, at Brendan House in Kalispell.

Mike was born Feb. 5, 1928, in Gary, S.D., to Guy and Gertrude Dougherty.

He served in the Navy during World War II and married Arvilla Chase on Sept. 11, 1953.

In 1976, they moved to Columbia Falls, where Mike was employed by the Columbia Falls School District as a maintenance worker. He retired in 1991.

Mike is survived by his children Jim Dougherty, of Bigfork, Vicky Finck and husband Gene, of Verndale, Minn., Denise Ohs and husband Gary, of Whitefish, Gregg Dougherty and wife Davina, of St. Ignatius, and Patti Beach, Doug Dougherty and Conni, Pam Roesner and Larry, Becky West and Winfield, and Tracy Dougherty, all of Columbia Falls; many grandchildren and great grandchildren; and sisters Margaret Kern and Kay Budig.

A funeral service was held at St. Richard's Catholic Church in Columbia Falls on Jan. 3, 2012. Interment will be in St. Hubert's Catholic Cemetery, in Bluegrass, Minn.