Richard Joseph Nolan

With a heavy heart we announce that on Thursday, March 5, 2026, Richard Joseph Nolan, beloved husband, father and grandfather passed away in Surprise, AZ, at the age of 84.

Richard (Rich) was born on July 25, 1941 in Wabasha, MN, to Bernard and Agnes (Aitken) Nolan and joined in marriage to Doris Arleen Forseth on May 17, 1969. Family was very important to Rich and he made sure that his four children and 13 grandchildren got to know the family they were a precious part of. He was an avid reader, enjoyed sailing, camping and hiking with his family and created many beautiful pieces of furniture in his workshop, many of his own design. Rich also enjoyed a rousing discussion of current events and solving the "problems of the world" over a nice glass of wine with family and friends.

He graduated from Mobridge High School in Mobridge, SD, St Thomas University in St. Paul/Minneapolis, MN, the University of South Dakota in Vermillion, SD, and the University of Kansas in Lawrence, KS where he earned his PhD in Pharmacology. He served in the U.S. Army and then 25 years as a research toxicologist for the Dow Chemical Company in Midland, MI and Fishers/Carmel, IN until his retirement in 2000.

Rich is survived by his wife, Doris of Plainwell, MI and Surprise, AZ; son Alan Nolan (Wendy) of Colbert, WA; son Christopher Nolan (Paige) of Greenville, MI; daughter Carrie Frawley (Peter) of Lake Orion, MI; daughter Lisa Smith (Nathan) of Spokane, WA; 13 grandchildren, 4 siblings and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, a brother and a sister.

A Celebration of Life ceremony will be held in Michigan at a future date. The family requests that donations be made in Rich's memory to the Society of St Vincent DePaul in lieu of flowers.

The family thanks you for your support and asks that you share this memorial with anyone who was touched by Rich's life. We would love for you to share a message of condolence or a favorite memory with us here.