Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
John Dolan Obituary
Cremation has taken place under the direction of O'Connor Funeral Home. Services are noon July 24 at Holy Spirit Catholic Church in Great Falls, followed by a reception at the Eagles.
Our loving brother, uncle, and friend left this world to join God, his parents and his siblings on July 5, 2009.
John Michael Dolan was born, along with his twin brother Pat, to John and Virginia Dolan, on Jan. 2, 1948, in Helena, Mont.
Because he was so tiny and couldn't keep down milk, his doctor said he wouldn't live, but his mother refused to let him die, so she took him home and "incubated" him in a shoebox in the oven.It worked! He grew into a loving, kind man who would do anything for anyone. Call him day or night, and he was there to fix anything, even if he hardly knew you. His cars and house could fall down around him, but he would drop everything to come to the help of friends and family. Everyone who knew him left with a part of his generosity.
Mike attended Central Catholic High School, graduating in 1966. He attended the University of Montana and Northern Montana College. He was retired from the National Guard and was a member of the Catholic Church.
Mike is survived by his brothers, Phillip and Pat (Shelley) Dolan; nephews Chase and Nathan (Jessica) Dolan; niece Heather (Robb) Bergeson; great-nephews Riley Bergeson and J.J. Dolan; and great-nieces McKenna Dolan and Finley Bergeson.
Because he never had children of his own, he enjoyed his time with the young children and had infinite patience with them. Mike also leaves behind so many friends, who meant the world to him, especially his friends in Sand Coulee, the Hi Ho Tavern, and Peace Hospice House. Thank you all for making Mike's last months so memorable and taking the time to visit him.
He was preceded in death by his parents, his sister Darlene; brothers John and Chuck; and nephews Jason and Joshua Muterspaw.
Mike, we are so sad to see you go, but we know there are loving arms waiting for you in heaven. You are at peace and your body is whole again. Go with God.
Donations may be made to the ALS Association, 27001 Agoura Road, Suite 250, Calabasas Hills, CA 91301-510; or to Peace Hospice, 2600 15th Ave. S., Great Falls, MT 59405.
Condolences may be posted online at www.gftribune.com/obituaries.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for John Dolan
Dan Flanagan
August 2, 2009
Pat I just herd that Mike is gone. I am sorry for the loss of another Dolan. My prays and those of my family are with you and your family at this time of loss.
Dan Flanagan
Tony & Peggy Prince
July 28, 2009
PD, Phillip and all the Dolans,
Maggot was one of a kind. He is gone from us, but will never be forgotten. His upbeat attitude and ever present smile were there all the way to the end. At the reception after the services a couple of us were sharing memories of him and the question, "I wonder just how many friends Maggot had?", arose. The only answer was that none of us could count that high.
Jane Miller
July 20, 2009
Mary, Billie and I spent some time with Maggot a few days before he left us and he seemed like his old self, writing on his dry erase board and taking pictures of all of us. I don't think there is a person Maggot knew that he didn't touch with his kindness and willingness to help. I'm back in Florida so will miss the funeral but my prayers are with you all and may the memories help ease the pain.
Jane Miller
Paul '66
July 18, 2009
Even though I haven't seen Mike in well over 40 years, I still can recall how nice of a person and friend he was at GFC. I'm sure he will be missed very much.
Bruci Ann Hall
July 15, 2009
Pat,Phil & Dolan Family:
I am so sorry for your loss, Mike will be missed by all of us who have known him over the years. My hope is that you all can find comfort in the stories and memories we all have of Mike, and know that he has taken a little from each of us with his passing but most importantly left us with much more.
Francis LaLiberty
July 15, 2009
Dolan Family:
My sympaty and prayers for your loss. It has been some tough times. Mike will be missed. I was gratefull for the opportunity to see him at the birthday party.
I will be unable to attend the service, so send my condolences to your family, and look forward to visiting in the future.
Genie Goodman
July 14, 2009
Dear Pat and Family,
My sincere regrets for your loss of Mike. Seems like we're well into the days of saying good bye to friends and family members- immediate family and GFC family too. An awful lot of my "Mustang Memories" include one member or another of the Dolan Family. I particularly remember Mike over the years, being upbeat, smiling and positive - no matter what his personal problems were. We shared a lot of laughs sitting around after class reunion parties, trading stories of our "glory days"! I'm sorry that I missed the last opportunity, and that he'll be physically missing for the next. His spirit will always be there though. Hopefully, a comfort to all is our certainty that his problems have been relieved. God Bless and keep Mike in His Hand, and all of you as well.
Shelley Blakeslee
July 14, 2009
Pat & Shelley
I was deeply saddened to hear of Mike's passing. I will always remember him - his smile, sense of humor, and ever willing to lend a helping hand.
My sympathies are with you
Jane Gregoire
July 13, 2009
To Pat, Shelley, and family,
Mike was such a wonderful person--always smiling, ready with a great story and the offer to help with whatever was needed. He had such a warmth for others and was such a giving soul. Your family has had more than its share of tragedy. May Mike rest in peace after his battle with ALS, and may you take comfort in your memories.
Don Lundgren
July 10, 2009
To Pat and the entire Dolan family I wish to extend my sincere condolences on Mikes passing. I was 2 years behind Mike in high school and even though we competed for the same position on the '66 team Mike always encourged me. I saw Mike a couple of times over the years when I would return to Great Falls for a visit and he was always very warm and had that great smile of his. Rest in peace Mike and peace to you Pat and your entire family.
July 10, 2009
I briefly met with and worked with Michael at the being of this journey. He was always upbeat and pleasant. Lots of questions.
I would like to extend my deepest sympathies to the family and loved ones of Micheal's. He will be missed.
Dr. Jacque Arnold
GARY & SHARON THOMAS
July 10, 2009
PFD,
SO SORRY TO READ OF MIKE'S PASSING. IT IS NOT AN EASY THING TO LOSE A BROTHER, BUT THE MEMORIES WILL STAY WITH US FOREVER. TAKE CARE AND WE'LL BE IN TOUCH.
GT AND SHARON
The congregation at Calvary Chapel of Great Falls
July 10, 2009
To John's Family & Friends,
You have our deepest sympathy for the sorrow you now endure, but we know your lives have been forever blessed and inspired through John's special presence and love. May the Lord, Jesus Christ, hold you close through this sadness that your hearts will seek the comfort and peace only He can truly provide.
Bill Zins
July 9, 2009
PD, We all knew this time was coming for Mike, but it still is a sad time. I know how much you will miss him as will many. My thoughts & prayers are with you. I'm so glad we could all celebrate your belated birthday last January. I'll let Bob know, too.
Mark Higgins
July 9, 2009
On behalf of the Higgins family, please accept our condolences on the loss of Mike. How ironic that he would pass within hours of the 70th anniversary of Lou Gehrig's famous farewell at Yankee Stadium. We all got to see Mike at our Mom's funeral last November, and while we were very grateful that he took the time to attend, we were sorry to learn at that time of his illness. It sure looked then, and sounds like since, that he would not let this get him down, which is not surprising from one of the Dolans, a family the Higgins' were always happy to know. We continue to speak of all of you often when we get together, and will make sure to do so again later this Summer. Best wishes from your old GFC comrades. The Higgins'
Bill Shikany
July 9, 2009
Pat, I'm sorry to hear about Mike. I always enjoyed him in class at Central. And of course you remember how intense he was on the football field. May Mike rest in peace. Peace to you and the Dolan family. Peace on earth. Bill Shikany
Janet Keaster
July 9, 2009
To the Dolan Family,
We are so sorry to hear of the loss of Mike. He was a great person. I knew all of the Dolans from Central, but got to know Mike (Maggot) in our later lives. Our girls played Little League softball with Gary Ehnes and Mike was always around to help or just visit. He would sometimes join us on our fast paced trips around the state or the northwest, he was great with the girls and best with the vehicle that needed a little extra attention!!!
We will miss Mike, Johno, Darlene, and Chuckie. The Central neighborhood just got a little bit smaller, but all are joined again up with God.
Mike, you are whole again, go in love and peace to be with your family.
We are praying and thinking of the Dolan family at yet another time of heartache and sorrow.
Janet (Murray) Keaster
Kresant Bennett
July 8, 2009
I knew Mike as "Maggot". For the longest time I thought he was my uncle. Because he was always around during my childhood. He has always greeted me with open arms and a great big smile. One memory I have of him was when he gave me some puppets wrapped in an empty beer box. I thought that was the neatest thing ever. I don't remember anything else I got for that birthday.
Maggot please go up and say hello to your mom for me. You will be missed but now your mom has you again.
July 8, 2009
Pat, We just heard of Mike's passing. So very sorry for your loss and the loss to your family. Mike was always a joy to visit with when we got the chance. Although we did not get to see him much he will certainly be missed by all of us. Roger, Rich and Curt Tiny's Tavern Billings
Phil McLaughlin
July 8, 2009
Breaks my heart that another Dolan has passed. The family was such a force on the south side of GF through the 50's and 60's. Here's to 3rd, 4th and 5th Avenue South. Here's to the Central Mustangs of that time. Here's to the Burg. Here's to all the players and all who have gone before. May God bless and receive Mike Dolan. I'll bet there's one heck of a party up in heaven now.
Randie & Dick Swingley
July 8, 2009
Mike will be missed by so many. The get together at the Hi Ho a few weeks ago showed how many friends and family Mike had and was close to. We were so happy to be part of it and to show our support in his last few weeks. We will forever hold a special place in our heart for Mike.
Callee Francis
July 8, 2009
To: Pat and Phil-
My thoughts and prayers are with you both today and always. Mike will be always be remembered as a breath of fresh air to me. His smile,wit, humor and endless positive attitude will be cherished and missed greatly. If I can assist in any way please don't hestitate to call or stop by anytime. I will not beable to attend Mike's funeral. I will be visiting my father in MN. He has been diagnosed with cancer and he too is receiving hospice care today. God has a special plan for your brother and my father.
Sincerely, Callee Francis Case Manager
Mike Lopach
July 8, 2009
Pat,
I was sorry to read about Mike in the paper this morning. I often think of our good times back in grade school and high school and wonder how everyone is doing now. My sister told my a few weeks ago that Mike was sick. From the obituary it looks like you have lost most of your family. I hope you are well and that your kids and grandkids give you much joy.
We will not be able to attend the services, as we will be travelling at that time. But I have many fond memories of Mike and you from too many years ago.
I hope you are well.
Mike Lopach
Erick & Nikki Gilbert
July 8, 2009
My thoughts and prayers are with the Family during your time of grief. Mike was a great guy who would do anything for anyone, he will be greatly missed as a person and as a friend. May he rest in peace. God speed my friend.
Jetter
Showing 1 - 25 of 25 results
Make a Donation
in John Dolan's name
Memorial Events
for John Dolan
How to support John's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor John Dolan's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
