Karolynn Doherty

Karolynn Mae was born on December 16, 1940, the daughter of Reuben and Elsie (Erickson) Hvezda. She grew up on a farm in Lake Mary Township and attended a small country school one mile south of the farm. Karolynn graduated from Alexandria High School. After graduation she attended Beauty School in New Brighton. While living in New Brighton she met Mike Doherty at “Mike’s Place”, and the couple was married on May 1, 1965 at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church.  After their marriage the couple bought land in Shoreview where they built a home and raised their three children. The Doherty home was the place all kids wanted to gather. The kids would enjoy swimming away many summer days, often followed by a poolside lunch buffet provided by Karolynn, including the crowd favorite, a heaping bowl of bright red bing cherries. Karolynn ran her beauty shop in the basement of her home and would use the money she earned to take the family to Valleyfair, and on summer vacations. Mike and Karolynn enjoyed time spent at the cabin up north. There were always projects and improvements to be made, then amazing meals and bonfires. Karolynn would always bring enough food for everyone, so whatever anyone else brought would go back home with them. She had the best knack of packing ample amounts of ice cream in a tiny motorhome fridge; if a kid could not be found they were in Grandma’s motorhome for ice cream and cake, probably hot chocolate and jello jigglers too, and always a pitcher of Tang.  She also enjoyed providing Christmas decorations for the kids to decorate the cabin, tinsel everywhere! There were many fond Holiday celebrations at their home, and when the grandchildren came, the parties moved to the garage, and so did the Christmas tree. A carpet rug would be laid down, a Christmas tree in the corner, fire was burning hot, presents were opened, and the fun would last for hours. Great memories were created that the family will never forget. Karolynn’s kitchen was always open, and her home in the Cities was like a hotel with the Welcome mat always out. Her and Mike gladly made room for anyone that wanted to come down and get a taste of the City Life, whether it was for a weekend, couple weeks, or a couple months. She provided Airport Taxi Shuttle with a smile. Mom was fun and loved to travel. She was always game for a crazy road trip, some sight seeing in the old Van, with her daughter and grandchildren. She was the Best Mom, quick to write you out of school on a Friday or Monday for a long weekend, or countless camping and fishing trips, or an extra day at the Farm with Reuben and Elsie, or more family fun on Lake Blackwell. Maybe it was time for motorcycle shopping, or time to pick up a new puppy, and just maybe it was for Her, to spend extra time with her children. Karolynn was diagnosed with Stage 4 Kidney Failure about 7 months ago. She passed away at home early Sunday morning, November 28, 2021. The last few minutes of her life the instrumental song Silent Night from the Mannheim Steamroller Christmas Celebration CD was playing. The words “Sleep in Heavenly Peace” had just finished and Karolynn drew her last breath. She is no longer suffering and is now indeed comfortably sleeping in heavenly peace. Go Rest High on that Mountain Karolynn, Mom, your work on Earth is Done. Thank You for everything! Karolynn is survived by her husband, Mike; Sons: Shawn (Jolene), Patrick (Kelly); daughter, Kalee (Jay) Luetgers; six grandchildren, five great grandchildren, brothers: Reed (Kay) Hvezda, John (Lillian) Hvezda; sisters: Ivy Hills, Sandy (Kardell) Schmidt; several thousand nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents, four brothers & sisters: Ron, Nick, Tom and Kay.   Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Wednesday, December 8, 2021, 11:30 a.m. at St. Mary’s Catholic Church with visitation one hour prior to the service at the church. Burial will be at Lake Mary Cemetery.  For those unable to attend the service it will be live streamed.