Benjamin A. Dougherty
June 20, 1950 ~ February 6, 2026
In the evening of February 6th, 2026, Benjamin Dougherty entered into eternity peacefully with his loving wife by his side. During his 75 years, he built a legacy of laughter, no-how and service. Something which will be deeply remembered by all who knew him.
Preceded in death by parents, Lloyd & Mary Dougherty; brother, Earl Dougherty; son-in-law, Jayson Massa; in-laws, Reinhold & Luella Lang. Survived by loving wife of 53 years, Kay; children, Erin Massa, Brian (Cassie); grandchildren, Amelia, Jake; siblings, Blenda (Carl) Hackworth, Helen Dougherty-Wakeman; brother-in-law, Reynold (Kelli) Lang; sister-in-law, Candis (Max) Olsen; many nieces, nephews, other relatives & friends.
In the year of 1971, Ben enlisted in the U.S. Navy. There he served on the USS Bergall SSN 667 during the Vietnam war. While on leave, he married the love of his life, Kay. The two packed up and headed out east where Ben was stationed and had many adventures. His time serving his country is something that he cherished until the very end. Service. It is something that would come to define Ben throughout his life.
In the late 70’s Kay and Ben decided to call Wyoming, MN their home. There, they welcomed their children: Erin and Brian into the world. A lifetime of memories were made in that town. Memories of bringing Christmas decorating to a whole new level (seriously…. they were on the news a few times), building decks, porches, wood shops, and everything in between. Those memories will sustain for many lifetimes to come. He served his family well. Driving over the road working for Old Dutch Foods, owning his one-man business of painting, and putting in hours at the fire hall are all a testament to his work ethic, and doing what it takes to provide.
Ben spent nearly twenty years serving on the Wyoming fire department. He built lasting friendships and found great joy and pride during that time. During his time he became known as: Fireman Ben. This is because he independently ran the fire prevention program which eventually earned him a congressional award for his work in fire prevention. He would spend his coveted vacation time every year stuffing those little gift bags for all surrounding elementary schools and day cares. He would speak to all classrooms and teach the kiddos how to stay safe every year. Rumor also has it that Ben may or may not have been on the fire truck with Santa every year 😉 . Service. It is what kept him going and something that he deeply strived for.
After he retired, he found great joy in woodworking. He especially loved making creations for Kay. Everything to tables, bowls, décor, and Christmas ornaments for his family. He felt like he had struck the lottery with finding something that he loved doing and having others benefit from. In his later years, he and Kay welcomed their Granddaughter; Amelia. This little girl had her grandpa in the palm of her hand until the very end. He also loved his new Grandson Jake and was excited to see what all the world would have to offer him.
One of his greatest acts of service was caring for Kay in their later years. Never complaining, always wanting to do more. Their love is eternal and she will carry it with her for the rest of her days.
As time goes on and we reminisce of all of the great: “Ben Stories” let us remember the greatest one of all. How service is what makes a life full. Small or big. Service.
Ben’s life will be celebrated with a gathering of family & friends 6-8 PM on Monday, February 16th at Roberts Family Funeral Home, Forest Lake. Private interment at Fort Snelling National Cemetery.
Services
Gathering of Family & Friends: Monday, February 16, 2026 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Roberts Family Funeral Home
555 Centennial Drive SW
Forest Lake, MN 55025
(651) 464-4422
www.robertsfamilyfh.com
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America/Chicago
2026-02-16 18:00:00
2026-02-16 08:00:00
BenjaminA.DoughertyGathering of Family & Friends
Gathering of Family & Friends
555 Centennial Drive SW ,Forest Lake, MN 55025
On behalf of the Forest Lake American Legion Post 225, we give thanks for Ben’s military service to our country in the Navy and to veterans as an American Legion member.