Jo Ann Dougherty

Jo Ann Dougherty

Jo Ann Dougherty died  May 18, 2026, at Meadowbrook in Black River Falls at 98 years of age. She was born July 13, 1927, to J. Bruce and Kathleen (Buckley) Van Gorden, who were living in Alma Center, WI, at that time.  She was born in nearby Whitehall, since there was no hospital in Black River Falls until 1932.

Jo Ann’s first two months were spent in Alma Center, but in September of 1927, the family moved to Black River Falls, where Bruce began his career as a businessman and community leader. Within the next few years, Jo Ann was joined by sisters Mary and Beth.

In later years Jo Ann often remarked that “growing up in Black River was great.” She enjoyed school and was active in many extracurricular programs, especially in the music department. She sang in the glee club and played the glockenspiel in the band and the tympani in the orchestra. She was elected to the high school student council and was recognized for her contributions while attending the school’s annual Honor Banquet.

While growing up, Jo Ann was also involved in many activities at the Methodist Church. She sang in the choir and enjoyed activities in several groups, including the youth group, known then as Epworth League.

From an early age, Jo Ann showed an interest in art and design. Following her high school graduation in 1945, she attended Layton Art School in Milwaukee, where she was enrolled in the four-year interior design program. She was then employed at the Klode Furniture store in Milwaukee as an interior designer. Later, when back in Black River Falls, she taught adult art classes at the high school for 17 years and served as a judge for numerous art shows in the community.

While living in Milwaukee, Jo Ann met Jim Dougherty. They were married in 1950 and moved to Black River Falls, where son Steven was born in 1954 and Michael in 1956. Jo Ann and Jim were divorced in 1977.

Some of Jo Ann’s happiest days were spent on Lake Arbutus at Hatfield, where the Van Gorden family spent every summer beginning in 1932. Eventually, Jo Ann owned her own cottage, where she and her family spent 70 summers.

Community activities were important to Jo Ann. She was a long-time member of the Tuesday Club and a “Pink Lady” at the hospital. Jo Ann’s greatest interest was in the history of Jackson County. She was a member of the Historical Society and served as the curator of their photo collection for many years. She was well known for her extensive knowledge of the area and gave many presentations on the history of Jackson County to various community groups.

Jo Ann loved traveling with family and friends and in later years enjoyed numerous trips abroad, many of them with Elderhostel.  

Jo Ann is survived by her sisters, Mary Van Gorden and Beth Beier; her son, Michael (Cindy) Dougherty; her daughter-in-law, Jodi Dougherty; her grandchildren, Justin (Danielle) Dougherty, Kate Dougherty, Kiley (Chris) Sahr, Jackson (Margaret) Dougherty and Brittany Kruttke; and great-grandchildren Mckenzie, Brett, Alia, Ayla, Emerson, Athena and Freyja.

She was predeceased by her parents, J. Bruce and Kathleen; and her son, Steven.

No funeral service will be held in accordance with Jo Ann’s wishes. She will be interred at the East Lawn Cemetery in Alma Center, WI. 

Memorials may be given to the Black River Falls Area Foundation Fund for the Black River Falls Public Library History Room.

Thank you to the wonderful people at Meadowbrook and St. Croix Hospice for their care and kindness.