Jerome "Dutch" Dolney

1938 - 2024

Jerome "Dutch" Dolney

February 27, 1938 - January 12, 2024

Gig Harbor, Washington - Dutch was born February 27, 1938 in Greenbush MN to James and Francis Dolney the youngest of 6 children. He grew up in Crystal ND, a farming community and worked in the potato and sugar beet fields from a young age. He married Charlotte "Charley" Slawson (deceased) in April 1962. They welcomed two daughters, Shari in 1962 and Louise in 1963. In 1968 Dutch moved his family to Gig Harbor with nothing but a station wagon and a trailer packed with all their belonging. Gig Harbor would be their home for more than 50 years. He began his career as a mechanic shortly after his arrival in Gig Harbor and worked for 30 years for the Chevrolet dealership in Gig Harbor. After that he obtained his Class C trucking driver license and drove for Stroh's Feed until his retirement in 2003. He enjoyed many trips back home to North Dakota throughout the years, the last being in 2022.

A devout Catholic all his life, he was a proud parishioner of St Nicholas Catholic church in Gig Harbor for more than 40 years. He was a founding member of the Knights of Columbus Council chapter in 1986 for St. Nicholas. He held many offices throughout the years including Grand Knight on more than one occasion. Also a fourth degree member of the Assembly, where he also held many positions throughout the years. He was a leader in many of the Knights activities for many years, the annual garage sale, church dinners, potlucks, the Blessing of the Fleet were just a few of the things that were important to him. Dutch made many friends through the Knights of Columbus all of which he cherished.

Dutch was an active member in the Gig Harbor Grange #445 and the Washington State Grange from the mid 1970's until its dissolution in 2013. He held many positions within the organization throughout the years. His participation in the Puyallup Fair agriculture booths and sending the Junior Grange kids to summer camp were some of his favorite activities. He made many lifelong friends through the Grange.

He is survived by his sister Esther Dolney and brother Leroy Dolney both of Grafton ND, daughters Shari Peterson (University Place), Louise Dolney (Lakewood), Brother in Law Virgil Hathaway, Grandchildren Kara Curry and husband James, Austin Hubbartt and wife Chelsie, Kyle Peterson and wife Megan, Nolan Peterson, and Shauna Hathaway. Great Grandchildren Quentin, Cassius, Dakota, and Cecilia, and many nieces and nephew all of whom he adored.

Funeral Mass will be held on February 9, 2024 at St. Nicholas Church at 11 am - 3510 Rosedale St NW, Gig Harbor with a lunch to follow at the Gig Harbor Yacht Club -8209 Stinson Ave, Gig Harbor. Please feel free to attend the lunch if cannot attend the funeral mass. In Lieu of flowers please donate to the Knights of Columbus or a charity of your choice.