John W. Doty, age 78, of Ashland, WI passed away peacefully on May 11, 2012 after a long illness.  He was born to Burt and Millie (Gallo) Doty on May 1, 1934 in Kenosha, WI.

John graduated from Mary D. Bradford High School and served in the United States Army 8th Honor Guard in Seoul, Korea.  He later graduated from the University of Wisconsin – LaCrosse, followed by graduation from the University of Wisconsin Medical School – Madison.  John served an internship at San Joaquin General Hospital in Stockton, CA and completed a Residency Program in Ophthalmology at the University of Wisconsin, Madison.

John practiced Ophthalmology briefly at the Dean Clinic in Madison before relocating to Ashland, WI in 1972, where he practiced at the Ashland Eye Clinic for the remainder of his career.  Since retirement, the Dotys have resided at their lake home in Iron River, WI, while spending their winters in Arizona.

He is survived by his wife of 52 years, the former Lois Swanson of Superior, Wisconsin; three daughters:  Carla Ward of Pewaukee, WI, Paula (Thomas) Millar of Menomonie, WI, and Monica (David) Montag of North Attleboro, MA; 7 grandchildren, 2 great-grandchildren; and his siblings, Richard Doty and Margaret Bittner.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

A Memorial Mass of Christian Burial will be held at the Our Lady of the Lake Catholic Church in Ashland on Friday, May 25, 2012 at 12:00PM.  Visitation will be held from 11:00AM until time of service at the church.  Immediately following the mass, lunch will be held in the church social hall.  Inurnment and veterans services, conducted by the United Chequamegon Veterans, will be held at 3:00PM on Friday, May 25, at the St. Agnes Cemetery in Ashland.

In lieu of flowers, the family has suggested memorial donations may be made to one of the following:  Hospice of the Valley in Phoenix, AZ; Our Lady of the Lake Catholic Church in Ashland, WI; or the PKD (Polycystic Kidney Disease) Foundation

The Roberts Funeral Home in Ashland is handling the arrangements. To view this obituary online, sign the guestbook or express online condolences, visit us at www.bratleyfamilyfuneralhomes.com.