Chris Dooley Obituary
He was born on July 3, 1957, in Omaha, Nebraska, the son of Marcia A. (Van Dorsten) and Richard James Dooley. Chris grew up in Omaha and attended Benson High School where he played baseball and football and was on the wrestling team. Chris graduated with the class of 1975.
On October 7, 1989, he was united in marriage to Mary Wille. She survives at their home in Manhattan.
Chris was a member of the Seven Dolors Catholic Church in Manhattan. He served for many years as a Eucharistic Minister. He also was a member of the Knights of Columbus and the Elks Lodge.
He was a manager for the Appliance Doctors in Manhattan and later worked for Manko Windows. He was a crazy sports fan. He loved the Nebraska Cornhusker football teams over the years. He loved watching pro wrestling on TV. Chris cheered on the Kansas State Wildcats if they were not playing Nebraska. As much as sports were important to him, his family was always more special, and he loved having his wife, children, and grandchildren together as much as possible.
Chris was preceded in death by his parents, his siblings Kimberly Dooley and Larry Dooley; and his granddaughter Aiyanna Dooley-Lindsay.
In addition to his wife Mary, Chris is also survived by his children: Justin Dooley, Jason (Joy) Dooley, Kaleigh Dooley, Samantha (George) Wheeling, Aaron Dooley, Miranda (Cody) Harmon, and Meghan (Ivan) Thomas; also, his brother Tim Dooley; and his twenty-one grandchildren and one great-grandchild.
The family will greet friends during a visitation from 1:00 until 2:00p.m. Thursday February 20, 2025, at the Yorgensen-Meloan-Londeen Funeral Home in Manhattan.
Services will follow the visitation on Thursday February 20 starting at 2:00p.m. at the funeral home. A private burial will be at the Sunrise Cemetery in Manhattan.
The family suggests memorial contributions in memory of Chris to the American Heart Association. Contributions may be sent in care of the Yorgensen-Meloan-Londeen Funeral Home, 1616 Poyntz Avenue, Manhattan, Kansas 66502.
To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Chris, please visit our floral store.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
2 Entries
Bonnie Halsey Glew
March 15, 2025
I learned just today about Chris´ passing last month in February and I feel just flattened with sorrow. I knew Chris 50 years ago when we were teens working at the Rose Bowl. We both had Camaros, the really great ones. His was a beautiful turquoise blue 67 and mine a 68, white. Those were such fun times and he was just the best friend anyone could ever have. As life happened, we all moved away in different directions and went on with our lives. But I never forgot Chris or his family. He was just one of those people you don´t forget. I have nothing but good and happy thoughts about him and know everyone who ever knew him feels exactly the same way. Heaven got a little better that day you left, Chris. Happy and peaceful afterlife, my friend. Hope to see you again someday.
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American Heart Association
February 13, 2025
May your memories of the wonderful times you shared with your loved one comfort you and your family, today and always.
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