Obituary of John Allen Dotray

John Allen Dotray

Age 96, passed away peacefully on July 11, 2023.  Preceded in death by his beloved wife of 63 years, Lucy and his amazing son, Dave.  Survived by eight children who held John in such high esteem, who feel so blessed to have had such an incredible Dad:  Kathy Mesenbourg, Mpls; John (Conny), Duluth; Jessie (Steve) Bappe, Apple Valley; Mary (Lisardo) Baquero, Rosemount; Therese (Timothy) Tulloch, Montgomery; Joe, Montgomery; Pete (Peggy), Lubbock, Texas; Tom (Amanda) Elk River, 29 grandchildren with whom he enjoyed such a special bond. He was so interested in them and treasured the time he could spend with them.  He was also survived by 30 great-grandchildren who brought him much joy and laughter, and many other family and friends.  He will be greatly missed by all of us. John was born in Illinois but moved to Minnesota as a teenager.  He joined the Navy at 17 where he was stationed in Hawaii. He met his wife Lucy in Olivia, MN and went on to raise his family in South Minneapolis as proud members of Incarnation Parish and school. John worked hard to provide for his family of nine children at Dayton Rogers and World Aerospace.  To make ends meet and to ensure that Lucy could be at home managing the household, for a time he worked two full-time jobs. Though money may have been tight, his gift to his family was never letting us know it.  He supported his family in every way and always found time to take us swimming at Lake Nokomis, skating, sledding, to Twins’ games and camping at Sibley in our blue tent big enough for all 11 of us.  He spent his life attending sporting events, dance recitals, and violin concerts of his children and grandchildren. He traveled to Texas often and around the world to visit family. He accepted all of our spouses and partners with love and genuine interest.  He was an incredibly devoted husband, and when Lucy died in 2013, he stepped up and became an even more doting grandfather and great-grandfather even thoughtfully carrying on her tradition of mailing birthday cards to everyone.  He eventually left his life on Pleasant Avenue and moved to Village Shores where he made many dear friends and met the 2^nd love of his life, Gerry.  The self-proclaimed “Luckiest man in the world,” John was so grateful to have his angel Gerry come into his life 4 years ago and together they survived the Covid Pandemic.   His life at Village Shores was rich with music, lectures, and activities.  His mantra “Life is good,” encouraged us all.  A special thanks to hospice at Interim who took such good care of him, especially his nurses Roberta and Riley, all his therapists, and Chaplain Carol.  96 years was still not long enough and John will be dearly missed by so many of us who knew him and loved him.  We’re “the luckiest” to have known him.  Funeral services will be held Wednesday, July 19, at Incarnation Catholic Church; viewing at 10, mass at 11. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation in John’s name to nacdi.org (Native American Community Development Institute or migizi.org (Empowering Our Youth/Minneapolis), svdpmpls.org (St. Vincent de Paul) or a charity of your choice.