Ralph Doto

Ralph was born May 7, 1936, in Ishpeming to Ralph P. ‘Tuffy’ and Philomena (Denofre) Doto, and graduated from Ishpeming High School, Class of 1954. He then earned his business marketing degree from Marquette University in 1958. He was united in marriage to Kathryn ‘Tina’ Johnson and together they owned and operated Custom Insurance Agency in Ishpeming and Negaunee.

Ralph was a member of St. Johns Catholic Church, Ishpeming, the Ishpeming Elks Lodge and the Ishpeming Lions Club. He also served as captain with the 107th Engineering Battalion, Michigan Army National Guard in Ishpeming. Ralph was a devoted and loving husband who was very proud of his five daughters. He enjoyed spending time at camp on Lake Michigamme, an occasional trip to the casino, and was an avid Green Bay Packers and Notre Dame Fighting Irish fan. More than anything, he loved the time he spent with his family, especially his beloved grandchildren.

Surviving are his loving wife of 59 years, Tina Doto; five daughters, Blanche (Jon) Walimaa of Kingsford, Kristin (Karl) Rajala, Mary Jo (Kristen Swanson) Doto, Tamara (Eric) Doney and Nicole (Troy) Heikkinen, all of Ishpeming; grandchildren, Phillip and Tyler Walimaa, Brittany (Mike) Lyman and Libbie Jo Doney, and Finn and Crosby Heikkinen; his sister, Dr. Frances (Dr. Mark) (Andriacchi) Bradford of Washington; brothers-in-law, Keith (Nancy) Johnson and Kurt W. Johnson; sister-in-law, Lynn (Vinnie) Accavallo; a special uncle, Donald ‘Doc’ (Nancy) Denofre; and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Ralph Doto and Philomena Doto Andriacchi; his step-father, Francis Xavier Andriacchi; sister, Margaret Ann (Roy) Larson; mother- and father-in-law, Blanche and Roy Johnson; and brother-in-law, Holen (Mary Lou) Johnson.

Funeral services will be at 4 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 5 at Koskey Funeral Home, with Rev. Ryan Ford officiating. Burial will be in the Ishpeming Cemetery.

The family will greet relatives and friends from 2 p.m. until the time of services at 4 p.m. at the funeral home on Tuesday.

A Celebration of Ralph’s Life will be held immediately following services at Jasper Ridge Brewery, Ishpeming.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed in Ralph’s memory to: UPAWS, 815 South State Highway M553, Gwinn, MI 49841, courageincorporated.org or Ishpeming Power Packs, c/o Ishpeming Public Schools, 319 E. Division St., Ishpeming, MI 49849.

Mr. Doto’s memorial page may be viewed at koskeyfuneralhome.com.