Ron Luther Daugherty

Ron Luther Daugherty, 60, of Bethel, Alaska, formerly of Bemidji,died in Bethel the Yukon Delta Regional Hospital emergency room, Tuesday, June 23, 2009, from complications resulting from a severe allergic reaction.

A memorial service will be held 2 p.m. Sunday, June 28, at the Cease Family Funeral Home in Bemidji. The American Legion Post No. 16 of Bemidji will provide military honors.

Honorary pallbearers will be Stanley Koci, Monte Hammit, Jim “Deano” Garrigan, Mike Hamlett, Paul Stankavich, Steve Estenson, James Walter Sr.

He was born May 10, 1949 to Luther and Ruth (Serene) Daugherty in Freeborn, Ky. He graduated from Bertha-Hewitt High School in 1967 before entering the military. He married Jonna Oling July 23, 1968. He served in the U.S. Army for more than nine years. He was stationed at Fort Bliss, Texas, Fort Monmoth, New Jersey, Charlottesville, Virginia, West Point, New York, and the Armed Forces Radio Network, Bremerhaven, Germany. He received several awards during his career including two Army Commendation Medals. After his military service he finished up his bachelor’s degree at Bemidji State University with an accounting and management degree. He had been with the Public Broadcasting System since 1980. He started at KAWE Bemidji as a part-time board operator, moving steadily up the organization to become general manager. He then spent six years at WQLN in Erie, Pennsylvania. In 1999 he moved back to a small market station when he accepted the job of general manager at KYUK AM/TV in Bethel, Alaska.

He is survived by his wife of 41 years; sons Shem (Mary) Daugherty of Remer, Minn., and Shaun (Charlene) of Honolulu, Hawaii; four grandchildren; two aunts; and several cousins.

He was preceded in death by his mother, father, a grandson and an aunt.

Condolences may be sent to: Jonna Daugherty C/O Shem & Mary Daugherty, 6827 State Highway 6 N.E., Remer, MN 56672.

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