Eugene "Gene" T. Dougherty

Gene was born August 8, 1935 in Mauston, Wisconsin and was raised in his early childhood on a nearby farm with his three older brothers. The family later moved into town, where Gene graduated from Madonna High School, and where he also met the love of his life and eventual wife of 62 years, Anna Marie Dougherty. A standout multi-sport athlete, Gene went on to play baseball in college, serve in the Army Reserve, and eventually join the business world. Gene and Anna Marie married on February 7, 1959, and settled in Thorp, Wisconsin, where they started their family and where Gene launched his lifelong career with Thorp Finance Corp, later acquired by ITT Corp.

They had 5 children and spent 17 happy years in Thorp. Gene embraced fatherhood with joy and filled his time with every leisure sport imaginable, lively card games, and a zest for life that drew people in. His quick wit and magnetic personality earned him countless lifelong friends. The family moved briefly back to Mauston before relocating to Columbus, Ohio in 1978 for Gene’s work – the place they would call home for the next 47 years.

In Ohio, Gene and Anna Marie continued raising their children and eventually reveled in the joy of grandchildren and great grandchildren. They loved attending the kids sporting events and took great pride in the accomplishments of the next generations. Gene developed a love for golf and shared unforgettable trips with his sons to many of the PGA’s major tournaments, including the Masters. These were cherished memories for him, so as one might imagine he adorned his home with pictures and keepsakes. Every year, he and Anna Marie also made the annual pilgrimage back to Wisconsin to reconnect with relatives and friends. Those reunions were always touted as some of the best times of their lives.

After losing Anna Marie just a few years ago following her courageous battle with Alzheimer’s, Gene remained deeply connected with his family and continued to live a full life. Until the end, he proudly wore his Packers and Buckeyes gear, shared his infectious laugh, and leaned on his strong faith. He was a selfless, joyful soul who had a genuine love for family and friends. His presence will be dearly missed but forever remembered.

Gene is preceded in death by his beloved wife Anna Marie; his parents John and Grace; his brothers Russell (Helen), James (Joan) and Charles; and his firstborn son Doug who died at a very young age. He is survived by his children, Don (Anita) Dougherty, Dianne Brandel (Perry Stout), David Dougherty, and Dan Dougherty; his grandchildren, Courtney (Andy) Kirby, Haley (Price) Turner, Carson Dougherty, Cayden Dougherty, and Colton Hann; his great grandchildren, Deacon and Henley Kirby, and Adalyn, Lincoln, and Sutton Turner.

A public visitation will be held Monday, April 28, 2025 from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Schoedinger Funeral Home, 1051 E. Johnstown Road, Gahanna OH 43230. A funeral Mass will take place the following morning, Tuesday, April 29, 2025 at 10:30 a.m. at St. Matthew The Apostle Catholic Church, 807 Havens Corners Road, Gahanna, OH 43230. A luncheon at the church will follow and all are welcome. A private burial will be held later that afternoon.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association or to the American Heart Association. To send online condolence, please visit www.shoedinger.com.