About
Donald Gollata Obituary
Don was born on September 14, 1938, in Manitowoc, son of the late Anthony and Evelyn (Terens) Gollata. He graduated from Lincoln High School and then served in the United States Air Force from 1958 to 1962. He married the former Eileen Post. She preceded him death in 1977. He then married the former Judith "Judy" Dolezal, August 19, 1978 at Campbellsport UCC. Don worked at Manitowoc Shipbuilding for 42 years until his retirement. He enjoyed painting, fishing, and watching the Brewers and Packers. Don was a member of St. Francis of Assisi Parish, Knights of Columbus, Senior Center Watercolor Club, and Manitowoc Camera Club. On April 3, 1973, Don was elected a Ward Alderman of the 9th District, which he served until April 1986.
Don is survived by his wife: Judith "Judy" Gollata, Manitowoc; one son: Paul (Barbara) Gollata, Stevens Point; four grandchildren: Caitlyn, Emily, Seth, Shane; one brother: Ronald (Janice) Gollata, Manitowoc; two brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law: Jack Dolezal, Edward (Judy) Dolezal, Mariann Dolezal; nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends also survive. He was preceded in death by his parents: Anthony and Evelyn Gollata; his first wife: Eileen Gollata; one son: Lawrence Gollata; two brothers: Terrance "Terry" Gollata; James Gollata; one sister: Ilene Stuiber; father-in-law and mother-in-law: Charles and Irene Dolezal.
Memorial Mass will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, February 17th, 2026 at St. Francis of Assisi Parish Marshall Site, 2109 Marshall Street, Manitowoc. Rev. Doug LeCaptain will be celebrating the Mass of Christian Burial. Relatives and friends may call at the church on Tuesday from 9:00 a.m. until the time of Mass at 11:00 a.m. Burial will follow at St. Mary's Cemetery. Military Honors will be accorded by American Legion Post 88.
Expressions of sympathy can be made to the family by visiting www.lakeshorefamilyfuneralhomes.com
Lakeshore Family Funeral Homes, Pfeffer Funeral Home of Manitowoc is assisting the family with arrangements.
The family would to thank the nurses and staff of River's Bend Health and Rehabilitation Center and Heartland Hospice for the care and compassion shown to Don.
To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Donald E. Gollata, please visit our floral store.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
3 Entries
Allen and Sally Bergseth
February 15, 2026
Donald Gollata was one of my mentors when I was first settling in at my new job in the sheetmetal Shop at Manitowoc Crane. I won't forget his patient advise during my tutoring there and how he could crack a joke just at the right time to ease the tension. My wife and I will miss him.
And, yes, he took beautiful pictures of me and my new bride's special day both at First Lutheran church as well as a number of pics in Manitou Park with the rest of our friends who stood up with us. May the Good Lord smile down upon you Donald and just know he will call you to his glorious place in heaven... Allen & Sally Bergseth
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Marge Schleis
February 14, 2026
So Sorry To Hear This Sad News About Donnie, He Now Can Rest In Peace , And Be In Gods Hands. Donnie Was My First Cousin And I Was Very Proud To Say That Donnie Took All My Wedding Pictures In 1966 . He Was Such A Good Photographer . Donnie Will No Longer Have To Be In Pain. Rest In Peace And Let The Light Shine on You In Heaven Donnie
Your First Cousin
Marge Schleis
Pam & Len Gatien
February 9, 2026
Our condolences to Judy and the family. I will always remember the sunflowers Don painted for me. He and I shared a love for sunflowers. We always enjoyed our chats. He had such a sense of humor. No more discomfort now, he´s at peace. May he Rest in the arms of our Lord.
Pam & Len Gatien
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928 S. 14th Street, Manitowoc, WI 54220
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