Robert James Dougherty

Robert James Dougherty born July 2, 1945, in Dekalb, Illinois to the late Benice Sand née, Wenman and Omar Gray Dougherty. Robert passed away on October 19, 2026, in Port Charlotte, Florida where he resided, following a long battle with cancer.

Robert was an active athlete at Central High School in Salem, Wisconsin, competing in football, track and basketball where his team won the championship in the 1962/1963 season. Following graduation in 1963, Robert enlisted in the Army and served his country in Vietnam, earning the National Defense Service Medal (2), Combat Infantryman Badge, Vietnam Service Medal with 3 Bronze Service Stars, Vietnam Gallantry Cross with Palm, amongst numerous other honors throughout his career. Honorably discharged on September 18, 1970, Robert later enlisted in the Wisconsin National Guard earning multiple distinctions and promotions, retiring honorably with the rank of 1st Seargent in July 2005. Robert was a lifelong member of the VFW and continued active volunteering until shortly before his death this year.

In addition to his active military service, Robert was employed by American Motors in Kenosha and Tri-Clover/Alfa-Laval in Pleasant Prairie as a machinist inspector until his retirement.

Robert is survived by his brother Omar Dougherty; first wife Sandra Daugherty née, Krahn and son Patrick (Shirley); second wife Barbara Dougherty née, Zitlow and sons Bradley (Jessica) and Ryan (Chrissy); grandchildren Brianna, Alison, Ryan, and step-grandchildren Naomi, Amelia, Dominik, Brett and Aaron. Robert was preceded in death by his third wife Karen Dougherty née, Morse and survived stepchildren Christina (Dany) Montesano and Guiseppe Montesano.

Robert will be interred at Southern Wisconsin Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Union Grove, Wisconsin. Services for Robert have not yet been scheduled.