Kenneth John Doty, age 88, of Rochester, formerly of West Concord, died Wednesday, December 16, 2015 at the Mayo Clinic Hospital in Rochester, Minnesota. Kenneth was born May 6, 1927 in Wagner, South Dakota the son of Charles and Lenore (Janda) Doty. Ken was raised and graduated from high school in Wagner. Following high school, Ken enlisted in the United States Navy and served in the South Pacific during WWII. After receiving his honorable discharge, Ken returned to South Dakota and attended Yankton College where he received his Bachelor of Arts Degree and met his future wife, Mary Frances Dinneen. Ken and Mary were united in marriage on June 26, 1951 in Yankton. Ken taught history and coached basketball at various South Dakota high schools prior to earning his Master's Degree in Education from the University of South Dakota in 1957 which led to his first administrative position at Hartford Public School as superintendent of schools. The couple moved to West Concord, Minnesota in 1965 where Ken served as superintendent of schools for the West Concord school district for 30 years. During his years in West Concord, Ken continued with his education and earned his Specialist Degree in Education from the College of St. Thomas in 1971. Ken's last three years in the profession were as interim superintendent in Harmony, Minnesota. Ken's outstanding career in education includes participation in the Bush Public School Executive Fellowship Program, recognition as the 1971 Dodge County Administrator of the Year, and earning the 1981 Minnesota Educational Administrator of the Year award. Ken served multiple terms as a valued and trusted board member of the Minnesota Rural Education Association, a lobbying coalition formed by our state's rural school districts to ensure that the best interests of their students were represented at the legislature. Ken's continued curiosity of the world and satisfaction in learning was fulfilled by traveling, reading, antiquing, going to the movies, and to restaurants. Throughout his entire life Ken enjoyed hunting and fishing, especially with his son Mike. His greatest pleasure was the many friendships he developed and sustained throughout his life. He was a good man and will be missed by many. Ken is survived by his son Michael (and Brenda) Doty of Milaca; daughters Kathy (and Kevin) Koehler of Edina; Veronika (and Joel) Phillips of Minneapolis; four grandchildren, Kelly (and Kellen) Taylor; Maggie; Sophie and Joseph. Ken was preceded in death by his wife Mary Frances (2007); his parents; and a brother Richard. Visitation will be at Michaelson Funeral Home, West Concord Chapel on Sunday, December 20, 2015 from 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM and one hour prior to the funeral service at the church. Funeral services will be held Monday, December 21, 2015 at 10:30 AM at St. Vincent dePaul Catholic Church with Father Kurt Farrell presiding. Interment will be in the Concord Cemetery in Concord Township. Military honors will be provided by the Kenyon Veterans Color Guard. Memorials are preferred to the West Concord Fire and Rescue or the West Concord Historical Society. Visitation: 12/20/2015 14:00 12/20/2015 17:00 Service: and one hour prior to the service in the church 12/21/2015 10:30