Former South Dakota Lieutenant Governor, William J. "Bill" Dougherty, 78, died July 3. His death came six years to the day after the death of his beloved wife, Louise "Billie" Dougherty.

Bill was born and raised in Sioux Falls, the son of William J. and Alice Dougherty. He graduated from South Dakota State University in 1954 with a degree in Agricultural Economics.

His parents died when he and his brothers, Tom and Mick, and his sister, Susan, were still young. Bill and his young wife, Billie, held the family of four together while he took over his father's livestock commission firm, Adams-Dougherty, at the Sioux Falls Stockyards. He owned and managed the firm from 1954 to 1973.

Bill served as the South Dakota chairman of John F. Kennedy's 1960 presidential campaign. He masterminded Robert Kennedy's stunning victory in the 1968 South Dakota Democrat presidential primary. Shortly before Robert Kennedy was assassinated, he called Dougherty to thank him and his campaign team for "one of the best efforts I have seen anyplace."

Bill chaired the 1968 National Democratic Convention in Chicago, and he served on the Democratic National Committee from 1968-1974.

He was elected lieutenant governor in 1970 and re-elected in 1972. While presiding as lieutenant governor, Bill cast the tie-breaking vote in the State Senate to defeat the final passage of a bill which would have imposed a state income tax.

Senator George McGovern chose Bill as a top advisor and strategist for his 1972 presidential campaign. Bill travelled through 49 states with the campaign and was featured in journalist Hunter S. Thompson's classic book Fear and Loathing on the Campaign Trail '72 and other publications, including Life magazine.

In 1974, Bill unsuccessfully challenged Governor Richard Kneip in the Democrat gubernatorial primary. After losing the election, Bill chaired Senator McGovern's successful re-election campaign. In 1980, he directed Senator Ted Kennedy's South Dakota primary victory over incumbent President Jimmy Carter.

In 1975, Bill began a long and successful lobbying career. For 34 years, he represented a variety of prominent businesses on a wide range of issues including telecommunications, banking, railroads, health care, and alcohol and tobacco regulation. While serving as a lobbyist, he gained the respect of republican and democrat legislators and his fellow lobbyists. And his advice was constantly sought by elected officials from both parties.

Bill was an entrepreneur and small business owner. In addition, he served on the Avera McKennan Hospital board of directors, the Avera McKennan Foundation, the South Dakota Banking Commission, and the Sioux Falls Airport Board. He was also a member of the Downtown Rotary Club and St. Mary Catholic Church.

In 2009, South Dakota State University recognized Bill as an Outstanding Alumnus. In that same year, Bill received the Helen McKennan award from Avera McKennan Hospital and he was inducted into the South Dakota Hall of Fame.

Bill loved to walk and was often seen walking on the bike trail and the streets of downtown Sioux Falls wearing his headphones and listening to the Minnesota Twins' games. He completed several marathons and half-marathons and walked the entire 114-mile Mickelson Trail in the Black Hills twice. Bill's love of Sioux Falls and South Dakota was evident throughout his life and there was nowhere he would rather be. He loved music and was an enthusiastic member of St. Mary's choir. He befriended people from all walks of life and was fiercely loyal to his family and friends. He will be missed by all.

Dougherty is survived by his three children: Patrick, Timothy (Karen Schreier), and Jennifer Roth (Steven); three grandchildren: Alison and Michael Roth and Catie Dougherty; and his brother Mike Dougherty (Kathy) and sister, Susan Mickey (Bob); his dog Higgins, and many nieces, nephews, cousins and dear friends.

The Dougherty family extends its appreciation and gratitude to the caring and compassionate staffs at Waterford at All Saints and the Dougherty Hospice House. The family requests that, in lieu of flowers, memorials be given to the Dougherty Hospice House.

Mass of Christian Burial is on Wednesday, at 10 a.m., at St. Mary Catholic Church in Sioux Falls, with burial to follow at St. Michael Cemetery. Visitation is from 5 to 7 p.m. Tuesday with a scripture service at 7 p.m. at Miller Funeral Home, 507 S. Main Ave.