LeRoy Doll

LeRoy "Butch" Doll, age 87, of Graceville, MN, passed away on, Sunday, March 30, 2025, at Essentia Health - Grace Home.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, April 4, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at Holy Rosary Catholic Church in Graceville, MN. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the Mass on Friday. Fr. Shawn Polman will officiate the service and burial will be at St. Peter’s Cemetery in Dumont, MN, at a later date.

LeRoy “Butch” Mathias Doll was born on January 18, 1938, in Graceville, MN, to Bernard “Ben” and Johannah (Miller) Doll. He was the second youngest of eleven children. Butch was baptized and confirmed in the Catholic faith. He grew up in Dumont, MN, and attended St. Peter’s Catholic School through the eighth grade. During his high school years, he worked on his brother-in-law’s farm and later graduated from Wheaton High School in 1956.

He was united in marriage with Joyce Klein on July 7, 1959, in Beardsley, MN. The couple were blessed with five children: Kim, DeeAnn, David, Daniel, and Bill. In 1963, Butch began working for the Traverse County Highway Department, where he held various roles over the years for 36 years until his retirement in 1997. Even after retiring, he stayed busy working for local farmers, helping with tractor repairs, harvesting, mowing, and more.

A devoted member of St. Peter’s Catholic Church in Dumont and Holy Rosary Catholic Church in Graceville, Butch was active in his community. He served on the Dumont Fire Department for 35 years and the Dumont City Council for eight years. He also volunteered at Grace Home, participated in church choirs, and remained dedicated to his faith, often leading the Rosary—especially during the 13 years his wife, Joyce, resided at Grace Home. Even after her passing, he continued his volunteer work there.

Butch had a love for gardening, maintaining a large garden at home and continuing to grow produce well into retirement. He was an avid reader, favoring westerns, historical fiction, and American history. He was also known for his baking, particularly his homemade bread. In his later years, he could often be seen driving around in his golf cart, visiting friends and family.

Above all, Butch cherished his role as a grandfather, treasuring every moment with his family. He was strong-willed and determined, earning a reputation as the “favorite” uncle among many of his nieces and nephews.

He is survived by his daughters: Kim (Gary) Simonson of Graceville, MN; DeeAnn (Jim) Dorfschmidt of Spearfish, SD; three sons: David (Dani) Doll of Windsor, CO; Daniel (Stephanie) Doll of St. Joseph, MN; Bill (Tahra) Doll of West Fargo, ND; 10 grandchildren: Sarah; Emily; Elissa; Matt; Amanda; Joseph; Becca; Gabe; Pierce; Candance; sixteen great-grandchildren: Alexander; Christian; Benjamin; Lettie; Kimber; Jason; Cedrick; Oliver; Brexton; Adelaide; Aubrey; Quinn; Nevaeh; Jayden; Colbie; Nevin; and one great-great grandchild, J.J.; one sister, Norma Wojtalewcz of Appleton, MN; sister-in-law, Mary Klein; and many beloved nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents: Bernard “Ben” and Johannah Doll; beloved wife, Joyce; and siblings: Blanche, Mike, Helen, Bernard, Vernon, Betty, Jean, Eleanor, Ansel; son-in-law, Chuck; grandsons: Shawn and Colby; two brothers-in-law: Jim and Bud.