Dr. Esther Doherty King

King Dr. Esther Doherty King, 96, formerly of San Antonio, TX, passed away Jan. 6, 2003 at the Mankato Lutheran Home. Dr. King was born Aug. 23, 1906 to Thomas and Evaline Doherty in Tracy, MN. She grew up in Northfield, MN and attended Carleton College, then entered dental school at the U of M, graduating in 1930. She was one of only two female graduates in that class and is the last surviving member of that class. Following graduation from dental school, she did a postdoctoral internship at Eastman Clinic in Rochester, NY. During that internship, she married Dr. Melvin Frank King and together, they practiced in Granite Falls and Winthrop, MN. In 1954, Dr. King accepted an appointment as staff dentist at the Cambridge State School and Hospital until she retired in 1974. During her tenure there, she was instrumental in establishing a program to train U of M dental students and hygienists in providing dental services to mentaly and physically handicappted patients and upon her retirement, was formally recognized by the governor of Minnesota for her dedication, competence, and excellent work record. She was given an academic appointment as Clinical Assistant Professor of Dentistry by the U of M and received a formal Certificate of Merit from the U of M in recognition for devoted service and also from the State Deparment of Education for services in the evaluation of Minnesota's Vocational Educational Programs. She received a Medal of Merit from the Diocese of St. Cloud for her involvement in the church, especially in the area of religious education. She supported the pro-life cause, believing in the sanctity of human life, from conception to natural death. Dr. King is survived by her children, Kathleen (Don) Dehning of Mankato, MN, Dr. David (Betty) King of Houston, TX and Terry (Nancy) King of Cambridge, MN; seven grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; nieces, Patty Nafstad of Brooklyn Center, MN and Marguerite Julkowski of Shoreview, MN. Preceded in death by her huband; two brothers; and one sister. Mass of Christian Burial 11 AM Friday, Jan. 10 at Christ The King Catholic Church, Cambridge, MN, with Father Paul van de Crommert as celebrant and Father Fred Meyer as concelebrant. Visitation and Rosary 1 hour prior to the Mass at the church. Burial Ft. Snelling National Cemetery, Tuesday, Jan. 14, 11 AM, Assembly Area #1. Carlson-Labatte F.H. 763-689-2244

Published on January 9, 2003