David Dougherty

       David Dougherty, 84, passed away on April 28, 2026. He was born in Natrona Heights, PA and was a proud alumni (and lifelong fan) of Penn State University, with a degree in Electrical Engineering.  He moved to northwest Indiana as a “looper” at Bethlehem Steel, which is where he met his wife, Sandy. Together they raised their family in Valparaiso, IN, where they resided until his death. 

       Despite moving to Indiana, he continued to support his Pittsburgh Steelers and Nittany Lions his whole life. But he enjoyed watching all sports, including his grandsons’ hockey games, any college football game, and PGA golf. 

       He was a lifelong member of First Presbyterian Church in Michigan City, where he faithfully served as an Elder, a Deacon, and on the Building and Grounds committee. 

       He also had a love of jazz and swing music, especially when it was performed live. Together, he and Sandy took dance lessons and explored all the swing dance venues in the greater Chicagoland area.  

       With his inner circle, he always had a goofy side and a dry wit. But the holidays were when his inner child really came alive. He loved everything about Christmas, but the highlight was setting up his elaborate HO gauge model train around the tree, complete with a tunnel, bridges, and full village. 

       But more than anything else, he always just wanted to be outside. He instilled a love of the outdoors in his kids and grandkids - through trips to the Indiana Dunes, camping trips (including Boy Scout trips as his son’s Scout leader), golfing, or just an afternoon in his back yard. Especially in recent years, his favorite way to spend the day was by puttering around his large yard and vegetable garden.

       He is survived by his wife, his three kids Matt (Marie), Rachael (Rob), and Ann, his sister (Susan), and 6 beloved grandkids.

       A service honoring David’s life will be held on Monday, May 4 at First Presbyterian Church in Michigan City, IN at 11 am, followed by lunch at 12. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the church. 

Professional arrangements are entrusted to White-Love Funeral Home, Chesterton, IN.  Please share your wonderful memories with the family at: www.whitelovefuneralhome.com.

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