Ansel W Doll

Ansel Doll, age 89, of Appleton, passed away Monday, July 3, 2023, in Luther Haven Nursing Home in Montevideo. Visitation was Noon - 2 p.m., followed by Mass of Christian Burial at 2 p.m., Friday, July 7, 2023, at St. John's Catholic Church in Appleton. Fr. Brian Mandel officiated.

Interment will be in St. Peter’s Catholic Cemetery in Dumont at 3 p.m., Wednesday, July 12, 2023.

Ansel William Doll was born July 11, 1933, in Dumont, MN, to Bernard and Johanna (Miller) Doll.  He passed away just shy of his 90th birthday, while residing at Luther Haven Care Center, Montevideo.

Ansel lived an adventurous life. As a young teen, he spent time working at a brother’s ranch in Montana. He frequently returned there to work and to enjoy the mountains. He felt most comfortable being outdoors, enjoying nature.  At 17 he enlisted in the Navy, eventually serving on the USS Oriskany during the Korean War. While not on duty, he passed his time playing cards and getting into trouble with his fellow soldiers.  After his service ended he briefly joined the Air Force for the express purpose of gaining access to the GI Bill, and obtaining a college degree.  He started his college journey in Texas, took some classes in Montana, and finally obtained his degree from the University of Minnesota.

Ansel married Patricia (Schultz) in 1962.  They had five children: Michael, Deidra, Mathew, Amy and Mark. Ansel spent several years working as an accountant in Minneapolis. But upon realizing one day that his daily headaches were likely caused by the exhaust he inhaled during the long commutes to work, he packed up his family and moved to Appleton. His intention was to continue a quiet career as an accountant, but in 1979, fate stepped in.  As noted on the Pioneer Public Television website:

As stated in the minutes of a meeting of the Board of Directors on January 17, 1980, “It was the manager’s opinion that the only way KWCM is to stay alive and be viable is to become more responsive to what people want and need. Get into production of a local nature on a regular basis. Concentrate on farm and small town populations, banking and retail, senior citizens, and elected officials at township level.” With this new vision in mind, [Ansel] Doll and his small staff quickly set to work.

And work he did! For 20 years Ansel passionately grew Pioneer Public Television. Along with good friend Jim Hegland, he took many trips to Washington DC to cajole and convince members of congress and PBS to fund the station. He encouraged staff to innovate and take chances on program ideas. During his tenure, PPTV won several accolades for its fine work. He retired in 2000, but didn’t slow down.

The best way to describe Ansel was “active.” He spent many years working on developmental projects in the Appleton community. He had a pilot’s license, and enjoyed flying. He always maintained a garden large enough to share with the resident deer and rabbits. After retirement he spent over 20 years during the winters as a park volunteer in Arizona. He was an avid reader, from newspapers, to autobiographies, to the Reader’s Digest, or anything else laying around. He doted on his grandchildren and proudly wore the title around the community of “Grandpa.”

In November 2013, Ansel’s daughter, Deidra, passed away after an 11-month struggle with cancer. Ansel never fully recovered from the loss. He moved into an assisted living unit in March 2020, and shortly thereafter the COVID lockdown hit.  He could not understand why he had to be “locked up.”  For a man who lived for the outdoors, had a wandering spirit, and loved to be around his grandchildren, this was more than he could handle. He wanted to escape. He finally made his journey home and was reunited with his daughter on July 3, 2023.

Ansel was preceded in death by his parents Ben and Hannah Doll; sisters: Blanche, Eleanore, Helen, Betty, and Jeannie; brothers: Mike, Bim, and Skip; and daughter, Deidra.  He is survived by his former wife, Patricia Doll; his children: Mike (Liesl) Doll of Montevideo; son-in-law Christopher Rahn of Bemidji; Mathew Doll of Morris; Amy (Donny) Doll-Wohlers of Morris; Mark Doll of Appleton; grandchildren: Keshia (Michael) Visness; Liam Doll; Chris (Allie) Rahn; Joshua Rahn; Ethan (Rachael) Rahn; Clarissa Rahn; Tessa Vande Vegte; Brennan Wohlers; Carly Wohlers; Colton Wohlers; Bobbi Jo Wohlers; Orion Doll; Logan Robertson; Levi Doll; Devin Doll; seven great-grandchildren: Kaylyne and Jace Visness; Owen and Chloe Rahn; Arabella Rahn; Oliver and Octavia Vande Vegte; brother Leroy Doll; sister Norma Wojtalewicz; and many nieces and nephews.