About Us

Dan Dougherty is the owner of Dougherty Funeral Home and a lifetime resident of the Duluth area. He began working in the funeral home with his father and took over the business when his father retired. He attended the University of Minnesota - School of Mortuary Science. Dan has been a funeral director since 1983.

Daniel T. Dougherty is the son of Dan Dougherty. He joined the Dougherty funeral home staff in April of 2013 after he graduated from The University of Minnesota Mortuary Science Program. Daniel T. Dougherty is the son of Dan Dougherty. He joined the Dougherty funeral home staff in April of 2013 after he graduated from The University of Minnesota Mortuary Science Program. He enjoys spending time and playing with his two children, Trey and Dalton. Fun fact about Daniel, he is a gourmet cook, he is currently babysitting a sour dough starter and is anxiously waiting to perfect his bread baking skills.

Paul Hegstrom Jr joined the staff of Dougherty Funeral Home in July of 2014. Paul grew up in Superior and now resides in Esko. Paul received his Mortuary Science degree from Worsham College of Mortuary Science in Wheeling, IL. Paul has been a funeral director in both Minnesota and Wisconsin since 1992. He and his wife Stacy have three children Paul III, Abigail, and Eric. Paul enjoys time spent with family and friends fishing, hunting, boating, four wheeling, snowmobiling and time spent at the family cabin on Wilson Lake.

Mark Boettcher joined the staff at Williams-Lobermeier in 2006.  He joined the Dougherty family in 2017. Mark grew up in the Lester Park neighborhood and graduated from Duluth East.  Mark received his Mortuary Science degree from the University of Minnesota and has been a funeral director in Duluth since 1988. Mark is a member of the St. Louis County Rescue Squad where he serves as 2nd Lieutenant/treasurer. Mark and his wife, Barb, have three grown children and enjoy spending time with their seven grandchildren. 

Originally from Hibbing, Mary went to UMD and then graduated from the University of Minnesota in Mortuary Science. A fourth generation Funeral Director, Mary worked in the twin cities for several years before coming to Dougherty’s. Mary is very excited to be back up north where she can pursue her passion for outdoor sports. She and her husband, Casey a fellow Funeral Director, welcomed their daughter Lila in 2023 and still love spending time together exploring Duluth and the North Shore. She especially enjoys downhill skiing, mountain biking and being with family at the cabin eating her mother’s Italian cooking. 

Hailing from La Crosse, WI, Casey is a die-hard Wisconsin sports fan, and an avid outdoorsman. Casey is a 2018 graduate of the University of Minnesota’s Program of Mortuary Science. Casey, along with his wife, Mary joined the staff at Dougherty’s after living and working in the Twin Cities for several years.  The opportunity for outdoor recreation drew them to the Northshore. He is an active volunteer for Healing Heart Connection and in 2018 paddled the entire length of the Mississippi to raise money for the organization. Casey and Mary welcomed their daughter Lila in 2023.  In Casey’s spare time he enjoys home remodeling projects, fishing, camping, skiing and hiking.

After a short time away from Duluth, Paul (III) returned home to provide funeral services for the Northland. Graduating from Des Moines Area Community College with his Mortuary Science degree in 2023, Paul will be completing his apprenticeship at Dougherty’s funeral home, alongside his father, Paul Jr.  

Growing up in the Pike Lake area and attending Proctor High School, Paul was drawn home for the sense of community and small-town businesses that make up the greater Duluth area. Paul and his wife, Katie, are currently living in the Esko area with their dog, Gunther. They enjoy spending time in the Lincoln Park Craft District and taking advantage of the abundant outdoor activities that are available year-round.  

Danny discovered his passion for funeral service after spending 15 years teaching in the classroom. He grew up in the Twin Ports, and after a fair amount of rambling he is proud to call Duluth his home. Danny shares his home with his wife Amanda and two husky-shepherds. He can be found most days playing guitar and keeping the woodshed full. He enjoys spending time in the woods of Northern Minnesota whatever the season. 

After a 28-year career as an account executive in insurance, Angela was invited to join the family business as an office manager and help families with the life insurance claims process. She has two grown sons who both live in California. She enjoys spending time in the woods, hiking and snowshoeing with her husband Tom and dog Dewy.

After spending 19 years raising her now grown four boys, Toni started part time at the Dougherty Funeral Home as a Funeral Director Assistant, working visitations and funerals.  In 2020 she took on a full-time role, focusing more of her attention in the office. Toni uses her life experience to foster a welcoming environment for both the staff at Dougherty’s and the families we serve. She is the first to answer the phone, greet you at the door, or lend an ear when you just need to talk. In Toni’s free time she enjoys catching up with her four boys, hiking, reading, working puzzles, relaxing, and having fun with friends.

Jim Stearns joined the staff of Dougherty Funeral Home in February of 2006. Jim is a lifelong resident of Duluth. He graduated from University of Minnesota - Duluth and the University of Minnesota - School of Mortuary Science. Jim has been a funeral director since 1985.

Jim Gearns joined the staff of Dougherty Funeral Home in 1996 and works on an at need basis. Jim is a lifetime resident of Duluth and a retired Duluth school district employee. He graduated from the University of Minnesota School of Mortuary Science and has been a licensed funeral director since 1983.

David attended Gustavus Adolphus College and Graduated with a degree in Mortuary Science from the University of Minnesota.  David has been a licensed funeral director for over 55 years.  He was the Co-Founder of Jarvi-Dowd Funeral Home.  He is now happy to be associated with Dougherty Funeral Home a local family owned firm.

He lives at Island Lake with his wife Karen, and enjoys spending time hunting, fishing and watching his grandchildren’s sporting activities with his 4 married children, 10 grandchildren and 8 great-grandchildren.

David is a Charter Member of Waters of Life Lutheran Church, 50-year member and Past Master of Lakeside/Lake Superior Masonic Lodge.  In addition to being a 50 year member of Scottish Rite bodies of Duluth Aad Shrine and past Worthy Patron O.E.S...  He is mostly proud of having 5 family members that are serving our country.  

Dewy joined the firm as a puppy and was recently promoted to the Director of First Impressions. In Dewy’s free time he enjoys a warm lap, long walks on the beach, chasing squirrels, wild turkeys, chipmunks, and rabbits. 

Gracie joined the firm in 2022. She is currently the assistant to the Director of First Impressions. Gracie loves to stretch, chase tennis balls, bug Dewy, and most of all she only has eyes for Dan.