Donald J. Dolan

Donald J. Dolan, 82, of La Crosse, died on Thursday, December 17, 2015 at the Gundersen Health System in La Crosse. He was born on December 13, 1933 in the Town of Clinton, WI to Don and Clara (Holtet) Dolan. Don was a 1951 graduate of LaFarge High School. He served with the US Marine Corps from 1952-1955. He married Ruth Hansen on November 22, 1958 in Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Cashton. Don had worked for the US Postal Service for 27 years, retiring in 1990 as the Manager of Mail Processing. During his 25 years of retirement, Don and Ruth enjoyed several long road trips traveling throughout the U.S. as well as many family gatherings around the pool. Don’s second career was the role of “Gramps”. His grandchildren were a very important part of his life. His greatest joy was teaching them to fish. To him it was a successful outing if one of them caught the biggest fish of the day. Of course, no fishing trip was complete without the mandatory stop at the Sweet Shop for ice cream. His grandchildren always looked forward to these days and the many fish fry’s that would follow. Don also went on many card playing and fishing trips with his lifelong friends. Don was an active member of Mary, Mother of the Church Parish, and was a member of the Thomas Rooney VFW Post 1530.
He is survived by his wife Ruth, four children, Michael (Laurie) Dolan, Steven (Shelley) Dolan, Jayne (Eric) Olson, and Thomas (Michelle) Dolan, nine grandchildren, Emily, Mary and Evan Dolan, Brittney and Matthew Dolan, Laura and Nick Olson, and Danielle and Claire Dolan, a brother Roger (Diane) Dolan, three sisters-in-law, and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, a sister Belva Larson, a brother Jimmy Dolan, and a nephew Douglas Larson.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Monday, December 21st, 2015 at 11:00 AM at Mary, Mother of the Church Parish, 2006 Weston Street. Rev. Brian D. Konopa will officiate. Entombment with military honors will be in the Catholic Cemetery. Friends may call at the church on Monday from 9:00 AM until the time of services. In lieu of flowers memorials may be given to Mary, Mother of the Church Building Fund, or the charity of your choice.