David Singleton Doty

David Singleton Doty Born June 30, 1929 in Coon Rapids, Minnesota, and died June 27, 2026. A life devoted to service David was a husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, Marine, attorney, philanthropist, and United States District Court Judge. David was preceded in death by his wife of 62 years Mary Wagner Doty. He is survived by three children, Laura, John, and Robert (Laura Shannon) Doty; four grandchildren, Alexandra Doty-Harper (Andy Harper), Jack, Peter, and Thomas Doty; two great-grandchildren, Phoebe and Lukas Doty-Harper; brother Douglas Doty (LuAnn Brenno); beloved partner Anita S. Duckor; and cousins, nieces, and nephews. A young David worked as a truck driver, butcher, and auto-assemblyman which allowed him to graduate from Marshall High School in Minneapolis and from the University of Minnesota. He was commissioned a Second Lieutenant in the United States Marine Corps in 1952 after receiving a Navy scholarship and serving as a student leader of the NROTC Unit at the University. His Marine Corps career included stints as commanding officer of a rifle company, Executive Officer of a seagoing detachment aboard the U.S.S. Newport News, commanding officer of several artillery batteries, and ending his Marine career on Okinawa as battery commander of the First 8" Atomic Howitzer Battery. The day after being discharged from the Marines in 1958, David started law school at the University of Minnesota, serving on the Law Review and graduating in 1961 with a JD (cum laude). Since graduation David has actively supported the law school by establishing a scholarship, serving as a member of the Lockhart Club, Board of Visitors, President of the Law School Alumni Association, and Law Review Alumni Board. David practiced law with the firm of Popham, Haik, Schnobrich, Kaufman, and Doty, primarily in trials and administrative law. As general counsel for the Metropolitan Transit Commission he oversaw its development and takeover of Twin City Lines. As attorney for the Minneapolis Park Board he was instrumental in preserving Parade Park and Minnehaha Falls from highway encroachment. He was also lead counsel in hundreds of trials including several large securities class actions and employment cases. He was active in legal education, having been an instructor at William Mitchell College of Law and a lecturer in scores of Continuing Legal Education seminars. He was active in Bar Association activities, becoming president of the Hennepin County Bar Association, the Minnesota State Bar Association, and the Minnesota Chapter of the Federal Bar Association. In 1987 David was nominated by President Ronald Reagan to be a U.S. District Court Judge, was confirmed by the U.S. Senate, and took the bench on May 7, 1987. He took Senior Status on June 30, 1998 and continued active service until February 2026. While a judge he handled many interesting cases and was a member of the Civil Rules Advisory Committee and the Eighth Circuit Judicial Council. David received many awards and honors, but was most proud of being the first recipient of the Hennepin County Bar Professionalism Award in 1989. He was also active civically serving as Trustee of the Minneapolis Public Library, Trustee of the Minneapolis Foundation, and Board Member of the Hearing Society. David was an active participant at St. Mark's Cathedral Church serving as an usher, vestry, and lay chalice minister. He was a member of the Minneapolis Club, Minikahda Club, and Skylight, and generously supported many causes and organizations including the Hennepin County Library, Minneapolis Institute of Arts, Weisman Art Museum, Minnesota Orchestra, the Mayflower Society, and the American Swedish Institute. David had an interesting and rewarding life. He will be missed by his family, friends, and colleagues in the law. In lieu of flowers, please donate to the Judge David S. Doty Scholarship Fund at the University of Minnesota Foundation, McNamara Alumni Center, 200 Oak Street S.E., Suite 500, Minneapolis, MN 55455. Services will be held at the Cathedral Church of St. Mark, 519 Oak Grove Street, Minneapolis on July 29, 2026 at 2:00 p.m.

David Singleton Doty

June 30, 1929 - June 27, 2026

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