SPARTA - Joseph “Joe” Gerard Dolan, age 72 of Sparta passed away unexpectedly of a cardiac event on Monday, August 24, 2026. Joe was born on June 19,1954 to Leo and Miriam (Wunnicke) Dolan in Madison, Wisconsin. He grew up in Clyde, Wisconsin on his parents’ farm where he worked alongside his dad from the age of 12 until the farm was sold in 1986.
Joe met the love of his life, Renee (Marklein) when she was 16 years old. Five years later they married on August 26th, 1978. As a proud father, he enjoyed supporting his four sons’ scouting, academic, and sporting events. His sons met four great women who brought more joy to his expanding family. When he became a grandfather, it was the highlight of his life. Joe’s light shined brighter the larger his family grew and he embraced grandfather-hood with the same pride as fatherhood.
He and Renee enjoyed retirement to the fullest. They enjoyed motorcycling on backroads, snowshoeing, hiking, traveling to new places and watching the birds wherever they were.
Joe Dolan lived a life of generosity and was a steady loving presence to all that knew him. In addition to his wife and best friend of 48 years, Renée, Joe is survived by his sons, Mark (Keely), Greg (Amy Lin), Paul (Jessica Shively), and Jeff (Caitlyn); Joe’s siblings, Alice Dolan and Charlie Dolan (Valerie Curley); grandsons, Ayden Olson and Lochs Dolan; and granddaughters, Niko and Dezi Dolan.
He was preceded in death by his mother and father; siblings, Edward, Elaine and Pam; and nephew Peter.
A Memorial Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11 a.m., Thursday, September 3, 2026 at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, with Father Berns officiating. A Celebration of Life to follow at Country Reflections 12770 WI 27, Sparta WI from 12-4 PM.
A visitation will be held from 5 p.m.-8 p.m., Wednesday, September 2, 2026 at Lanham-Schanhofer Funeral Home and Cremation, Sparta; and from 10 a.m.- 11 a.m., Thursday, at the church.
Online condolences may be offered at www.schanhoferfh.com. In lieu of flowers, please donate to your favorite food pantry.
Lanham-Schanhofer Funeral Home and Cremation is assisting the family with arrangements.
Lanham-Schanhofer Funeral Home and Cremation
