Mark Thomas Doherty, 71 of Ottawa passed away Sunday, October 17, 2021 at OSF Richard L. Owens Hospice Home in Peoria.
Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 1:30 pm, Friday, October 22 at St. Patrick’s Church, with Rev. Gary Caster officiating. Visitation will be from 11 am to 1 pm, prior to services, on Friday at Ottawa Funeral Home. Burial will be in Ottawa Avenue Cemetery.
Mark was born on September 21, 1950, the sixth and youngest child of Paul and Rita (Bonges) Doherty. He was born and raised in Ottawa, where he attended St. Patrick’s Elementary School and Marquette Academy, graduating with the class of 1968. Mark was a devoted Catholic and life-long member of St. Patrick’s Church. After two years at IVCC, Mark pursued a degree in pharmacy at Drake University in Des Moines, IA. He earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Pharmacy in 1973 and extended his career as a pharmacist for 40 years before retirement in 2013. He spent the last 23 years with his companion, Cherri Snell, whom he affectionately called “Sweetie”.
Mark enjoyed many aspects of life and was known for his witty Irish humor and fun-loving personality. He had a “need for speed” and could often be found cruising around in a quick little sports car. He was an avid golfer, and during high school he and his father, Paul won the Father-Son Tournament at Pine Hills Golf Course. He also got a hole-in-one at Dayton Ridge. He enjoyed vacations in Arizona and spending Christmas Eve with his family and friends.
Mark will be fondly remembered by those surviving: his long-time companion, Cherri; his sweet dog, Bailey; two brothers, Lawrence Doherty of Ottawa and Charles (Sandy) Doherty of Ohio; his brother-in-law Larry Resutko of Peoria; 13 nieces and nephews; and 18 great-nieces and nephews. Also surviving are his extended family in Florida; Cherri’s daughter, Trudi Burke; and three grandchildren, Taylor, Tristan, and Joey. Mark was loved by many and will be missed by all.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Paul and Rita; two brothers, Richard and Robert; and his sister, Patricia.
Memorials may be directed to St. Patrick’s Church or Marquette Academy.