James M. "Mike" Dolan

James M. “Mike” Dolan, 80, of Topeka, passed away on Friday, May 15th, 2026. He was born December 23, 1945 in Lawrenceburg, Tennessee, the son of John and Elizabeth (Sanders) Welch.

Mike graduated from Gardner High School and attended Emporia State University. He served in the US Army for over 20 years before retiring.

Mike married Joan C. Farrell on March 11, 1972, in Hill City, Kansas. They shared 54 years of marriage, and she survives him.

Other survivors include his children, Nicole Dolan Parks of Topeka, Amy Dolan Esquibel (Scott) of Topeka, and Jason Dolan (Kate) of Lenexa; eight grandchildren, Ethan Parks, Caleb Parks, Abigail Parks, Madelyn Esquibel, Jackson Esquibel, Max Esquibel, Annie Dolan, and Molly Dolan; his siblings, Margaret McQuary (Duane), Maureen Scorpio (Bob), Joe Dolan (Pam), Sharon Smith (Cliff), and Patty Massie (George); as well as many special nieces and nephews from both the Dolan and Farrell families.

Preceding Mike in death were his parents, his sister Mary, his brother Tommy, and his niece Erin.

Throughout his life, and especially during his 12-year battle with cancer, Mike showed remarkable faith, resilience, humility, love, loyalty, devotion, and courage. He was deeply committed to his family, proudly served his country in the military, and dedicated many years to caring for others through his nursing career. Mike will be remembered for his generosity, sense of humor, bravery, and compassion. He treasured time with family and enjoyed music, live concerts, movies, sports, and traveling to beautiful places. He was a loving and devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother, and brother-in-law.

A Memorial Visitation will be held from 7:00 - 8:00 p.m. followed by a Celebration of Mike's Life beginning at 8:00 p.m. on Wednesday, May 27, 2026 at Stinemetz Funeral Home, 522 N Pomeroy Ave, Hill City, Kansas 67642. A Memorial Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:00 a.m. Thursday, May 28, 2026 at the Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church, 110 N 10th Ave, Hill City, Kansas 67642. Inurnment will follow in Hill City Cemetery, Hill City, Kansas. 

Memorial contributions in memory of Mike may be made to the American Cancer Society Hope Lodge, 1120 Pennsylvania Avenue Kansas City, Missouri 64105. Hope Lodge provides a free home away from home for cancer patients and their caregivers and relies on donations to support its mission or to Phoenix Home Health and Hospice 2945 SW Wanamaker Drive, Suite B, Topeka, Kansas 66614.

Dove Southeast Chapel, 2843 SE Minnesota Ave. is assisting the family with service arrangements.

To leave the family a special message, please utilize the guestbook entries area shown below.