Gerard J. Dols

Gerard Joseph Dols, age 64, died Monday, December 16, 2024, at Hilltop Care Center in Watkins, MN. A memorial service will be at 11:00 a.m. Monday, April 28, 2025, at River of Life Church in Cold Spring, MN. Visitation will be from 9:00 to 11:00 a.m. at the church. Inurnment was at Sts. Peter & Paul Cemetery at an earlier date. The service will be live streamed at www.riveroflifeag.org.
Gerard was born on September 8, 1960, to Germain (Jerry) and Charlene (Metzger) Dols in Sauk Centre, MN and grew up in the Richmond area. He attended Richmond Catholic School and graduated from Rocori High School in 1979. He was very adventurous after high school, moved to California (hitchhiked) at 18, not knowing anyone there; then on to Tulsa, Oklahoma; on to North Carolina and finally stopping in the Minneapolis area where he became a chaplain for the Salvation Army. Gerard was very PROUD and HONORED to help a lot of people thru prayer. He had many hardships in his life, from stays at Gillette Hospital (many of them at a very young age) to a courageous 5-year battle with cancer later on in life. Gerard always loved Jesus and prayed all the time; he was a very religious man even though his life was not easy, he stayed strong!! WE ALL LOVE YOU!! A quote from a nephew on Facebook after his death: "TOUGH POST TO SHARE - How do you describe someone who - on the one hand - led an amazing, unbelievable & memorable life. While on the other hand - spent pretty much every day of his life in some sort of pain, whether it be physical, emotional or spiritual. He wasn't supposed to be anybody. A handicap kid with Cerebral Palsy who grew up in a small town Minnesota. Boy, did he turn into somebody, a somebody for many people in many places. I'm reminded of the DR Suess line – 'Oh, the places you'll go!!' He definitely got his fill of life. And when I think of him.... his life.... and bring myself back to my initial question - how do you describe someone like him?? I keep coming back to what I've been saying about him for my whole adult life – When you meet Gerard - you'll NEVER FORGET HIM!! Rest in peace Uncle Gerard!!"
Gerard is survived by brothers, Michael (Mar), David (Bonnie), Daniel (Linda), Paul (Pam); many nieces, nephews, and loyal friends.
Gerard was preceded in death by his parents (2018 & 2022) and brother, Gregory (1994).
The family would like to THANK EVERYONE who was a friend of Gerard and also the care personnel that took care of him, especially the staff at Hilltop Care Center in Watkins, MN and hospice for expert and COMPASSIONATE CARE !!!!