A beloved member of the St. Ansgar community, Royal “Red” Dohler, passed away on March 5, 2025, at the Mitchell County Regional Health Center in Osage, Iowa. Born in New Underwood, South Dakota, on September 28, 1941, to Grace and Jerry Dohler, Royal was the cherished only son among his three sisters: Dora, Una, and Sandy. His family later relocated to St. Ansgar, Iowa, where Royal attended local schools and graduated in 1959.
Family Life and Legacy
In 1961, Royal married Barbara Jean McNutt, and together they welcomed three daughters: Dawn, Tracy, and Carmen. The family shared many joyful moments, with Royal often serenading the girls with tunes like “Home on the Range” and engaging them in fun state capital quizzes. An active presence in his daughters’ lives, he took pride in supporting their sporting events, musical performances, and 4-H activities, all while imparting valuable life lessons and sharing countless card games.
Professional Journey and Creativity
Renowned for his skills as a metalworker and inventor, Royal ventured into a successful welding career at White Farm in Charles City, IA, where he dedicated two decades of his life. His innovative spirit shone through in the creation of various farm machinery devices tailored to seasonal needs. Following his retirement from White Farm in 1981, Royal continued his work at Wold Wheel and Rim, eventually transitioning to a full-time role at the company. This change allowed him more time to enjoy his passions, including spending time with loved ones, golfing, fishing, and passionately supporting the Iowa Hawkeyes.
Later Years and Personal Happiness
In 2012, Royal found love once again and married Monika Sorenson. Together, they embarked on a journey filled with travel, camping adventures, pontoon boating, golf outings, and friendly card games. Their bond was a testament to the power of companionship and shared experiences. Despite facing health challenges in 2019 that required a Left Ventricular Assist Device (LVAD), Royal displayed remarkable resilience, setting a record at the University of Minnesota for his extended life with the device, enduring 4 ½ years of dialysis.
Legacy and Fond Memories
Royal’s wisdom, quick wit, heartwarming anecdotes, and infectious smile touched the lives of many, especially his eight grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. He instilled in them important values, teaching them the significance of grace in both victory and defeat. His passing leaves a void in the hearts of those who knew him and admired his spirit.
Survived by his wife, Monika; daughters Dawn and Tracy; son-in-law Barry Groe; grandchildren Logan, Kendall, Emma, Zach, Michael, Taylor, Olivia, and Dylan; as well as great-grandchildren McKade, Nash, Ryan, and Remington, Royal leaves behind a lasting legacy of love and laughter.
Celebration and Remembrance
A Celebration of Royal’s Life is scheduled for Saturday, June 14, 2025, from 12:00 PM to 3:00 PM at the St. Ansgar United Methodist Church, located at 510 West 4th Street. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions to the St. Ansgar Rescue Squad or the United Methodist Church. Hoff Celebrations – Schroeder Chapel of St. Ansgar is assisting the family with the arrangements, honoring Royal’s memory with the care and respect he deserves.
As the community mourns the loss of Royal Dohler, his legacy lives on through the memories shared and the lessons taught, a testament to a life well-lived and a spirit that will forever endure.
