Brian Lester Doyle

Brian L. Doyle, Monticello’s very own globe-trotting, world-class educator, and occasional instigator, passed away on March 4, 2025, at The Wellstead of Rogers after a long, eventful stint on this earth. He was 83. Brian was born on January 12, 1942, in Henry, Illinois, a town clearly too small for someone of his obvious talents.

After a prestigious (or at least, lengthy) time at De La Salle High School in Minneapolis, Brian made the bold decision to serve in the United States Marine Corps from September 9, 1960, to July 22, 1966, presumably to see if he could outrun the chaos he inevitably created. He married Judith Ann Rivers on July 1, 1961, an arrangement that lasted until the very end, probably due to her ability to tolerate his sharp wit.

After receiving undergraduate and graduate degrees, Brian devoted his life to educating others, which, of course, involved a lot of lecturing. A Fulbright Scholar, Brian spent 35 years shaping young minds in the public school system, likely giving as much unsolicited advice as he did lectures. After retiring in 2002, he immediately set off and traveled six of the seven continents, doing who knows what for the Dept of Agriculture—something about spreading wisdom and possibly helping to ensure that nobody ever got lost in an apple orchard.

Brian was a proud, self-declared aficionado of Gopher games and restaurants. His love of both could rival his penchant for sarcasm and making people laugh-whether they wanted to or not. He spent the rest of his time reading, traveling, and gracing the world with his presence, all while proudly bragging about his 17 grandchildren and 16 great-grandchildren.

Brian is preceded in death by his mother Gwenith, his sister Pamela, his grandson Daniel, and his great granddaughter Harper. He is survived by his wife Judith, children Timothy (Sara), Kathleen (Jerry), Colleen, Michele, and Patrick (Joleen), with a whole slew of descendants.

Brian will be missed by many.

A Concelebrated Memorial Mass of Christian Burial will be held Friday, April 11, 2025 at 11:00 AM, with visitation one hour prior, at the Church of Saint Henry, 1001 East 7th Street, Monticello, MN with Father Patrick Barnes and Father Thomas Gillespie as Celebrants.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Peterson-Grimsmo Funeral Chapel of Monticello, MN. 763-295-2918. www.peterson-grimsmochapel.com.

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