Dr. Joseph Michael Doherty , 90, died November 22, 2020 at Edgewood Memory Care in Minot, ND.

Joe was born and raised in Detroit, Michigan. He graduated from the University of Detroit, spent two years with the Army in Korea, for which he was awarded a Bronze Star, and upon his return earned his DDS from the University of Detroit, School of Dentistry. He obtained a MPH in Public Health from the University of Minnesota.

He began his career in Public Health with the State of Virginia. He became the Assistant Director of Public Health Dentistry for the State of Wisconsin and ended his career as the Director of Public Health Dentistry back in Virginia. Joe and Helen were involved in the American Association of Public Health Dentistry. Joe served as President and Helen as secretary.

While growing up Joe peddled newspapers, mowed lawns, shoveled snow, and brought home stray pets. Later he painted houses while working his way through college. When he was 15, he undertook a 600 mile bike ride with his friend, Jack, camping out in farmer's yards and roadside parks. Joe was a handy man. He finished a basement in Wisconsin, built a shed, added a porch to his home in Virginia, and maintained the family vehicles. In Virginia he was a lecture at Saint Edward the Confessor Catholic Church. Upon retirement he moved to Holy Cross Village at Notre Dame, Indiana. He assisted in serving mass, working at the Soup Kitchen, and delivering Meals on Wheels. He was a lover of animals and nature. He always had a large bag of seed around to feed the many birds and small animals that surrounded his home wherever he lived.

Joe is survived by his four children, daughter Maureen and Nick of Waterford, New York; son Michael and Lynne of Minot, North Dakota; daughter Margaret Doherty of South Bend, Indiana; and daughter Mary Jo and John of Bellevue, Washington, along with 9 grandchildren and 8 great grandchildren. A brother, Frank Doherty of Phoenix, Arizona, and a sister, Ellen Hordan, of Las Vegas, Nevada.

He was preceded in death by Helen, his wife of 53 years, his parents, Michael and Florence Doherty, and his sister, Margaret Law.

Joe and Helen's ashes will be interned at Arlington National Cemetery.