Elizabeth "Betty" Dolan

Dodgeville – Elizabeth M. “Betty” Dolan age 92 of Dodgeville, Wisconsin passed away peacefully surrounded by her beloved family on Sunday, July 10, 2022 at her home. Betty was born on February 8, 1930, to John and Julia (Winters) Straka, in Clifton Township, Grant County, Wisconsin. Betty was united in marriage for 58 years to the love of her life, Thomas Dolan, in 1955 and together they were blessed with eight beautiful children who were raised on the family farm. Betty was a woman of traditional values, firm in her beliefs and strong in faith and love for God. She began each morning reciting the rosary with a cup of coffee not far from her side. Betty was proud to be a farmer's wife. She instilled in her children and grandchildren the goodness of farm life, the value of hard work, the importance of family, and to eat healthy. To say Betty was a go getter doesn't even come close. In her 92 years of life she did not let much slow her down and was as smart as a whip. She was a wonderful teacher who shared her passion for gardening, growing flowers and vegetables, canning and how to prepare a true home cooked meal. Everyday was a holiday in the Dolan household full of family traditions and good food (potato salad, coleslaw, mashed potatoes, home grown sweet corn, stuffing, pies, where all made with love). Betty's favorite past times included berry picking, hunting for mushrooms, watching the birds, and searching for a hidden gem while going to local rummage sales. Betty was an active grandparent always caring and concerned for her loved ones. She was a great listener, strong, determined, and steadfast. Betty was an active member of St. Joseph's Catholic Church throughout her life. She gave of her talents as a cook at St Joseph's School, where she was a parishioner and touched the lives of so many children in doing so. She contributed to her parish and was instrumental in the earlier fish fries and rummage sales over the years. She stayed involved with her church community in her later years by participating in her parish prayer chain. One of Betty's unique gifts was that of a local amateur meteorologist. She measured and recorded daily weather conditions and could report the weather for any day of any year. Betty was a daughter, sister, wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother and friend to so many. She was looked up to and many are inspired to be half the woman she was. She loved deeply, lived life to the fullest, and took everything in stride. She was the glue that held the family together and will forever be deeply missed. Survivors include her eight children: Richard Dolan (caregiver), Paul (Mary) Dolan, Veronica (Jerry) Becker, Barbara (David) Dolan-Wallace, Margaret (Jim) Balkovec, David (Rhonda Riedner) Dolan, Patrick Dolan (Debra Schieldt), and Julie Dolan. Twelve grandchildren: Ryan (Krista) Dolan, Andrea (Kory) Stalsberg, Gina (Scott) Ploscynski, Nicholas (Liz) Becker, Kristi (Chris) Miller, David (Kelly) Becker, Corey (Michael) Gose, Jamie (Chad) Lerche, Shawn (Derek) Harper, Micheal (Chloe) Dolan, Alaina (Austin) Benton and Jalene Pierick (grandma’s special nurse). Thirteen great-grandchildren: Kaleb and Gage Dolan, Reid and Bree Stalsberg, Lincoln and Finn Plosczynski, Everley and Harlei Becker, Addison and Emerson Miller, Wyatt and Charlie Jane Harper and June Dolan. She is also survived by her sisters Dorothy Ausse, Delores Brennan, and Bea Palzkill; and her sister-in-law, Wilma Dolan and many nieces, nephews and friends. She was preceded in death by her loving husband, Tom Dolan; her parents, granddaughter Kayla Sonnenburg, her sister Bernadine Cook; her brothers Leo and Bob Straka; her sisters-in-law Yvone Straka and Helen Straka; her brothers-in-law Roscoe Cook, LeRoy Ausse, Raymond Brennan, Tom Palzkill, John Dolan and Jim Dolan. Due to COVID concerns, the Mass of Christian Burial for Betty Dolan will be a PRIVATE FAMILY MASS. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that memorials be made to St. Joseph's School Trust Fund,

Elizabeth "Betty" Dolan

February 8, 1930 - July 10, 2022