Mass of Christian Burial for Mark “Spike” Dolan, 93, of Marshall, formerly of Milroy, will be Tuesday, January 31, 2023, at 11:00 a.m. at Holy Redeemer Catholic Church in Marshall. Visitation will be 9:30 until 11:00 a.m. before the service at church. Interment with military honors will follow at St. Michael’s Catholic Cemetery in Milroy. The Horvath Funeral Service in Marshall is handling the arrangements.
Mark Sylvester “Spike” Dolan was born on June 20, 1929, on the family farm in Granite Rock Township, Redwood County, to John and Mary (Pavek) Dolan. He grew up near Milroy and graduated from Milroy High School. Spike attended one year at the University of St. Thomas before being drafted into the United States Army. He served two years in the Korean War, earning a Purple Heart before his honorable discharge. Spike moved home and married Victoria “Vicki” Dobias on January 4, 1958, at St. Michael’s Catholic Church in Milroy. The couple farmed Vicki’s family farm, where they raised their four children. In his free time, Spike enjoyed spending time with family and friends. He loved visiting with anyone and everyone, as he was truly interested in what people had to say. Spike was a member of numerous organizations, including the Milroy American Legion, VFW, Knights of Columbus, and Lions Club. He enjoyed playing baseball, and he was a member of the 1954 Milroy State Champion team. Spike was a self-taught button accordion player, and he played in a band that performed at nursing homes and community events for many years. In his later years, Spike also enjoyed golfing. Spike’s faith was most important to him, and he had a particular devotion to the Virgin Mary. Spike and Vicki were very involved in the Milroy community for many years, even after they moved to Marshall in 2013.
Spike died on Thursday, January 26, 2023, at Heritage Pointe Senior Living in Marshall. He is survived by his wife Vicki of Marshall; children Donna (Darrel) Johnson of Hendricks, Rita (Mark) Vanderwerf of Alexandria, Tom (Julie) Dolan of Marshall, and Dave (Linda) Dolan of Alexandria; 9 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren; brother Donnie Dolan; as well as many nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, 6 sisters, and 5 brothers.
In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to Avera at Home Hospice or a charity of the donor’s choice.
