Mike Passed quietly away on September 9, 2018 at the Arbors Memory Care Community, after a long struggle with Parkinson’s Disease.
Mike was the second of what ultimately would become three boys born in Battle Mountain, Nevada to John Thompson Dolan and Alice Marie Welch.
Mike is survived by his younger brother Pat, and wife Lorell. Also, he is survived by his sister Colleen, and his brother John’s wife Mary. He now joins his older brother John in eternal rest.
In 1946 the family moved to Winnemucca, Nevada where Mike attended elementary school and graduated from Humboldt County High School. After graduation he left and attended college in Reno.
Mike earned his Bachelor’s Degree in History and Math from the University of Nevada in 1966. He then volunteered for Officer Candidate School in the United States Marine Corps. Upon completing this training Mike, a newly minted Second Lieutenant, volunteered for service in Vietnam.
While in Vietnam Mike served as a close air and naval artillery coordinator in support of the ground troops on the border between North and South Vietnam. While serving honorably in this position Mike received several promotions to First Lieutenant and even Captain. He eventually was discharged as a full First Lieutenant.
Upon returning to Nevada, Mike enrolled in the graduate program at the University of Nevada, and earned a Master’s Degree. This degree was in Education with emphasis on Counseling, graduating in 1972.
In 1963 Mike met his future bride, Carol Blankenburg, at the Pi Beta Phi Sorority house while working as a House Boy. Mike and Carol were married on June 22, 1969 in Sacramento, California. They celebrated their 49th Wedding Anniversary this past June.
As a result of their marriage, Mike and Carol had two children, Dr. Christopher Dolan, M.D, and Eric Dolan. Chris and his wife, Carolyn Byl, brought into the growing family grandchildren, Ryan, Keenan, and Allison. Mike’s grandchildren were his love and joy. The family’s other son Eric also served in the military with the Nevada Air National Guard.
Mike was a dedicated employee with the State of Nevada, and primarily worked in the Welfare Division overseeing the Child Support Enforcement Program for the State.
We will all miss the Mike that could put a smile on your face with his great wit and wonderful sense of humor.
We also will miss the Mike who loved to travel to far off lands and return with his insightful reminiscing. He loved sports and was active with his grandchildren’s sports activities.
Later in life, Mike was known throughout Hidden Valley for his daily walks with his three-legged dog Bear and later with his dog Bailey.
He was a proud native Nevadan. He was blessed with a keen knowledge of Nevada and its history. His love of Nevada was truly based on his childhood memories and personal interaction with the land and beauty of Nevada.
He was a loyal and devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend.
Mike will be laid to rest at the Northern Nevada Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Fernley, Nevada. His service will include full military honors.
A celebration of his life will be held at 11 am, on Sunday October 7th at “The Grove” in South Reno. Please join us in celebrating Mike. We were all blessed to know him.
The family requests that you can donate to the Parkinson’s Disease foundation at www.parkinsons.org/donate
