Russell Carl Doty

Russell Carl Doty, 94, of Duluth, Minnesota passed away into the Lord’s arms on October 30, 2014. The son of Jens and Ella Solem, Russell was born in Hunter’s Park during a snowstorm on January 21, 1920. At Russell’s birth, his family was warned to “be good to that boy” as Russell may not live a long life due to having bronchial pneumonia. Russell proved everyone wrong.

Following the death of her husband Jens, Ella married Ralph Doty in 1924. Together they raised Charlotte, Marie, Louella, Elizabeth, and Russell.

Russell attended Jackson Elementary, Washington Junior High, and Duluth Central. Many of his summers were spent at his Grandma and Grandpa Wilson’s home in Normana. Russell grew potatoes and helped the neighbors hay in order to pay for the Wilsons’ use of a team of horses for plowing and cultivating. He learned much while spending time on the farm including how to store milk, cream, and butter in the cool French River and vegetables in the root cellar. When he wasn’t working on the farm, Russell often went rabbit hunting and exploring. Russell graduated with the Duluth Central Class of 1928. Russell spoke fondly of the rivalry between Duluth Central and Duluth Denfeld and how he would paint his 1926 black Model T red and white to support the Trojans at their football homecoming. Following game day, Russell would paint it back to black eagerly anticipating the next big game. Following high school graduation, Russell met Naomi Dewey. Upon Naomi’s graduation in 1940, the two were united in marriage on December 4, 1940.

Naomi and Russell resided in Duluth where Russell worked at First National Bank and Bayview Dairy. Russell answered the call to duty during World War II by joining the Navy. Russell served his country on the USS Gillette Destroyer 681 for two years in both the Pacific and European Theaters. Upon his honorable discharge, Russell returned to work at Bayview Dairy where he began his involvement in union support. Russell was elected Secretary/Treasurer of Milk Driver’s Union Local 32 and was proud of his accomplishments on behalf of its members. Russell eventually became Secretary/Treasurer of Teamsters Local 346 representing over 5,000 individuals and later served as founder and long-time president of the Teamster Retiree Club. Russell also served on the Miller Dwan and Port Rehabilitation Center (Bethel) Boards of Director. In 1980, Naomi became ill, and Russell retired early so they could spend more time together and travel.

Russell’s faith and family were always the most important part of his life. Russell was an amazing vocalist and would often be found singing hymns in his church choir or at the piano with his sister, Charlotte. He was an active member of Bethel Baptist Church where he served as a Trustee. When Bethel Baptist closed, he attended the Duluth Gospel Tabernacle until his death. Russell’s love for the Lord was passed on to all of his children. Through their marriage, Russell and Naomi were blessed with eight children with a total of 84 descendants. Without ceasing, Russell prayed for each child, in-law, grandchild, great-grandchild, and great-great grandchild. Russell was most happy whenever his entire family gathered. With such a large family, celebrations were sometimes held at various churches in the community in order to accommodate the crowd.

Sadly, Russell’s first love, Naomi, passed away in 2002 after a long battle with Parkinson’s disease. On August 2, 2003, Russell was united in marriage with Garnette Petersen. Garnette and her first husband, Sid, had been longtime friends with Russell and Naomi. Garnette brought renewed joy into Russell’s life and provided him with happiness during his last eleven years on this earth. The family extends a special thanks to Ecumen Lake Shore and St. Luke’s Hospice for their compassionate care of Russell and his loved ones.

Russell will be sorely missed by his wife, Garnette, and his children, Ralph (Diane) Doty, Willard (Marge) Doty, Jeanne (Don) Mendoza, Linda (Ed) Bashaw, Gary (Marcia) Doty, Peggy (Tim) White, Dan (Jeanne) Doty, and Barb (Dave) Juntune. Russell will be keenly missed by Garnette’s children, Patricia (Keith) Hansen and Rebecca (Leonard) Haapanen. Grandpa Doty will also be missed by all of his and Garnette’s grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren. May Russell’s legacy of faith and family continue.

The visitation for Russell will be held at Bell Brothers Jarvi Dowd Funeral Home, 925 East Fourth Street, Duluth, on Sunday, November 2, from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. Visitation will continue 10:00 a.m. until the 11:000 a.m. funeral service Monday, November 3, at the Duluth Gospel Tabernacle. Military Honors will be provided with burial to follow at Park Hill Cemetery, Duluth. In lieu of flowers, the family prefers memorials to the Duluth Gospel Tabernacle SonShiners in care of the Duluth Gospel Tabernacle.