John Doppler

John Patrick Doppler, age 81, of Thief River Falls, Minnesota, passed away peacefully on Friday, July 4, 2025. He 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; brothers, Dennis, Kenneth, and William; 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.
A service to celebrate John's life will be at 2:00 PM on Thursday, July 24, 2025 at Johnson Funeral Service in Thief River Falls, MN with Father Craig Vasek presiding. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service.
He will be deeply missed and forever remembered. Condolences may be sent at www.johnsonfuneralservice.com