Harry Dolan, 91, was born July 27, 1920, in Zion, Ill., the son of the late Ernest and Elizabeth (Yates) Dolan (Ljungberg). He was born again through the sacrament of Holy Baptism on April 16, 1922, at the Zion Methodist Episcopal Church by the Rev. Robert O’Brian. He was called to his heavenly home on Wednesday, Sept. 21, 2011, at Paradise Park at Fox Lake, Ill.

Harry grew up in Zion and attended Zion Public Schools. He graduated from the Zion Preparatory College in 1938, He attended the Milwaukee State Teachers College for two years in 1944-1945. Harry loved Zion and except for several years after World War II, he spent his entire life there. There is hardly a street, building, or person of Zion, past or present, for which he did not have a story or at least a memory.

Harry always believed that there was nothing he could not do. In his youth he did many jobs including the Zion lace factory, the cookie factory, and even sold used cars off the lot at 28th and Sheridan Road. He drove a cab in Milwaukee, worked at the Miller Brewery, and there began a lifelong career of selling and business. In Zion over the past 57 years he worked for the Leader Department store, managed Bickett Pharmacy, and worked for WKZN, the Zion-Benton News, and more. He was the first club house manager of the Zion golf course. One of his loves was the restaurant business and he ran the Oak Room Grill at the back of Baird Pharmacy, Dolan’s Restaurant and Catering in the old Zion Dairy, and finally the White Dove restaurant at 2325 Sheridan Road. He also managed the Motor Inn truck stop and the Clown Room Supper Club at Hwys 41 and 173. Beginning in 1980 Harry served as a para-professional at both the Pierce and Horizon campuses of Zion-Benton High School. He was especially proud of his work with the Zion Chamber of Commerce as President of it’s Commercial Division. He even assumed the role of their Santa Claus for several years.

On April 5, 1942, he was married to Doris (Haubrich) Dolan of Kenosha, Wis., at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Waukegan. After WWII they made their home in Milwaukee, Wis., before moving back to Zion in 1954. They lived in Zion since that time. Doris passed away in January of this year.

Harry grew up in the Zion Methodist Church and has been an active member of Our Savior’s Lutheran since 1954. He served in many leadership positions of the church since it’s beginning in the old Zion Theater. He had a passion for the Sunday school and served as it’s Superintendent in the early years of the congregation. He loved to sing and was blessed with a wonderful singing voice. He also showed a keen interest in the church at large and supported the ministry of the Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod with his gifts and time.

In August of 1940, Harry joined the U.S. Navy and was assigned to the USNR Radio School in Indianapolis, Ind. He served on neutrality patrol in the Atlantic on board the USS Hughes and later the USS Hazel. After Pearl Harbor he became a plank holder of the USS Sigsbee and served in both the Atlantic and Pacific Theaters. Later he was attached to the USS Indianapolis, the flagship of the 5th fleet. He earned three battle stars and was honorably discharged in 1944.

He is survived by three children, Rev. David (Mary Lou) Dolan of Johnson Creek, Wis., Mary Beth (Thomas) Williams of Wilmot, Wis., and Rev. John (Carol) Dolan of Eden Prairie, Minn.; 12 grandchildren and 17 great-grandchildren. He is also survived by two sister-in-laws, Mrs. Lilah (George) Donlon of Eden Prairie, Minn., Mrs. Evelyn (Marvin) Haubrich of Bismarck, ND, a niece, Kathryn (Paul) Lovedahl and cousins both here and in the United Kingdom. He was preceded in death by his wife, parents, and a brother, Ernest Dolan.

Funeral worship will be held at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church 1800 23rd St., Zion on Sunday, Sept. 25, 2011, at 3 p.m. There will be a visitation prior to the service at the church from 1 p.m. until the time of service. A Graveside Service will be held on Monday, Sept. 26, 2011, at 10 a.m. at Mt. Olivet Memorial Park in Zion. In lieu of flowers memorials can be given to Our Saviors Lutheran Church and the WELS Historical Institute.

Please sign the guest book at www.congdonfuneralhome.com.

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