Obituary published on Legacy.com by Johnson Funeral Service - Thief River Falls on Jul. 30, 2025.
John Patrick Doppler was born on November 12, 1943, in Bismarck, North Dakota, the son of Lawrence and Margaret (Moran) Doppler.
John was a proud graduate of St. Mary's Catholic Schools, attending St. Mary's Grade School and St. Mary's High School, and later graduating from St. Mary's Catholic School in New England, North Dakota. He continued his education at St. Mary's University of Minnesota in Winona and earned his master's degree from North Dakota State University, Fargo, ND.
In 1963, John entered the United States Army, where he served honorably as an Information Specialist. He was discharged in 1966 with gratitude from a nation he served with pride. He was a proud member of the American Legion Post 117 in Thief River Falls.
On June 28, 1969, John was united in marriage to Marjorie "Marty" Tabbut at St. Leonard Catholic Church in Pelican Rapids, Minnesota. To this union two children, Stephen and Heather, were born. Together John and Marty built a life rooted in love, faith, and family.
Throughout their life together, John and Marty made their home in several communities, including Menoken, Bismarck, Hallock, Mandan, Pelican Rapids and Thief River Falls. In each place, John left a lasting impression through his kindness, integrity, and quick wit.
John dedicated much of his life to education and communication. He taught in Hallock, MN; Mandan, ND; Pelican Rapids, MN; at North Dakota State University in Fargo; and at Northland Community and Technical College in Thief River Falls. He also worked in radio in Williston and Bismarck and contributed to local journalism through his work with the Pelican Press. He took great pride in his teaching-but even more so in his students, whose growth and success brought him deep joy.
A man of many talents, John had a deep love for the arts. He directed several plays while at Northland College and even took the stage himself as a cast member in Dracula. He enjoyed playing guitar, writing, reading, music, sports, and socializing-especially during happy hour with friends and family. He especially cherished attending his grandchildren's events and celebrating their many talents and accomplishments. One of his greatest joys was participating in the beloved family tradition of the Doppler Hootenanny, where music, laughter, and love filled the air.
John was a devoted member of St. Leonard's Catholic Church in Pelican Rapids and later St. Bernard's Catholic Church in Thief River Falls. His faith was a guiding force in his life and a source of strength and comfort.
John is survived by his loving wife of 56 years, Marjorie "Marty" Doppler; son, Stephen Doppler of Detroit Lakes, MN; daughter, Heather (Josh) Barron of
Thief River Falls, MN; six cherished grandchildren Tatum, Tanner, Teeya, Kylee, Preston, and Emma; siblings, Dennis (Wandi), Kenneth, William; brothers and sisters-in-law: David Tabbut, Cathy (Dennis) Daellenbach, Delores Tabbut, Lyle (Lois) Tabbut; and many other beloved relatives and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Michael and Etienne; brother-in-law, John Tabbut; and sisters-in-law, Rose Tabbut, Mary (wife of William) Doppler, and Mary (wife of Michael) Doppler.
He will be remembered for his warm heart, sharp humor, steady presence, and the many lives he touched along the way.
John Patrick Doppler of
Thief River Falls, Minnesota, passed away peacefully on Friday, July 4, 2025 at the age of 81 years, 7 months and 22 days.
He will be deeply missed and forever remembered.
All The world's a stage
And all the men and women merely players: They have their exits and their entrances:
And one man in his time plays many parts. -by William Shakespeare
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