Gerald Lee Doty

Gerry was the second of five children (Elizabeth Ann, Gerald Lee, Philip Raymond, Robert Lawrence, and Kathleen Marie) born to Lawrence Benjamin Doty and Edna Alvena (Sorensen) Doty. He grew up in Council Bluffs, where he graduated from St. Francis High School in 1957. His family moved to Colorado Springs, Colorado, soon afterwards, and that is where he met Lynnetta Ann Kothe. He asked Lynn for a light for his cigarette at Garth’s Drive-in in December of 1959, and here we all are.

Gerald and Lynnetta were married on June 24, 1961, in Syracuse, New York. They had four children: Deborah Lynn Doty, Susan Kay Judd (Carl), Diane Marie Cunfer (Louis), and Joel Christopher Doty (Susan). Gerry and Lynnetta have five grandchildren: Katherine Renee Daugaard (Dre), Rachel Ann Fletcher, Sydney Ann Cunfer, Garrett Lee Cunfer, and Alyson Vyktoria Doty. They have three great-granddaughters: Havana Scarlet Daugaard, Isabel Jade Daugaard, and Rheya Jaymes Fletcher. Gerry was known as “Papa,””Papa Bear”, and even sometimes “Sponge Papa Square Head” to his grandchildren. His oldest great-granddaughter, Havana, called him “Buddy” and he called her “Pal.”

Gerry joined the Air Force in 1960 and served his country as a Russian language interpreter and technical instructor until 1980. Some of his tours included San Angelo, Texas; Turkey; Germany; California; San Antonio, Texas; and other short-term remote assignments. After retiring from the Air Force, he and Lynnetta moved to Colorado Springs, where Gerry worked for various companies, including TRW and International Bible Society, until he retired in 2000. During his time in the Air Force, he earned a Bachelor’s degree in Business from the University of Northern Colorado.

After retirement, Gerry and Lynnetta spent their summers traveling around the United States in their motor home, visiting family and friends and various historical and scenic American locations. They achieved their goals of visiting all of the Presidential libraries and traveling to all 50 States. They also took a memorable trip to Israel.

Gerry enjoyed spending time with his family, traveling, RV adventures with Lynnetta, fishing, bowling, and beating anyone younger than he in basketball or foot races. He delighted in playing – and winning at -- board games and outdoor games with the family. He always had a pocket knife handy for cutting ribbons and opening boxes at the family Christmas and birthday gatherings. He loved spending time with his grandchildren and great-granddaughters. His daughters would argue that the sappy man who acted silly for and played the “brain sucker” prank (the brain sucker starved because it couldn’t find brains) on his grandchildren and great-grandkids was not the same strict, stern father who raised them.

Gerry was proud of his family and his military service. He loved Mexican and spicy food; making (and eating) homemade ice cream; gossiping about the neighbors, friends, and family; and attending church at Highland Park Baptist (and later The Table at Highland Park). He was intelligent, stubborn, witty, charming, and protective of his loved ones. Gerry was a loving husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather and a lifelong friend to many church members, military associates, and family.

Gerry is preceded in death by his wife Lynnetta, his parents Lawrence and Edna, his sister Elizabeth, his brother Philip, and his daughter Diane.

Gerald’s memorial service and reception will be held at The Table at Highland Park on Saturday, July 12, 2025, at 2:00pm. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in his memory to the American Heart Association or your preferred charity.