

Dolores Nicholls
April 27, 1940 - March 30, 2025
Obituary
Dolores G. (Breunig) Nicholls, age 84, passed away peacefully on Sunday, March 30, 2025, at Homestead Living in Waunakee, WI, after a long and courageous struggle with Lewy Body Dementia. Dolores was born April 27, 1940, and raised in Sun Prairie, Wisconsin. She was the fourth of seven children of Arthur and Marie (Weynand) Breunig. She grew up surrounded by the warmth of a large family and carried that deep sense of devotion into every chapter of her life. She married Kenneth Nicholls on October 6, 1962, and dedicated herself to raising her six daughters: Deanna (Mike) Grahn, Renee (Bruce) Falch, Susan Fossali, Michele (Wayne) Johnson, Connie Nicholls Ware and Mary (Clint) Pahman. After her children were raised, she returned to work for the State of Wisconsin. A woman of deep faith and gentle spirit, Dolores found great joy in music, history, ancestry and traveling. For many years, she sang in the church choirs at St. Patrick's and St Peter’s Catholic Churches. Her love of music was matched by her passion for gardening. Whether tending to flowers, vegetables or nurturing her relationships with her grandchildren, Dolores gave freely of herself with grace and humility.
Dolores is remembered lovingly by her siblings: Janine Gross, Ralph (Elaine) Breunig, Carol (Joe) Schmidt, Steve (Shirley) Breunig, Mary (Bill) Lundstrom & Jack Kolpack. In addition, her loving grandchildren: Sean (Allie) Grahn, Sarah Grahn (fiancé Dan Tillema), Hannah Grahn (fiancé Kian O’Brien), Amelia (Michael) Knutson, Elizabeth (Alan) Carter, McKayla Falch, Jordan (Michael) Grimm, Matthew & Michael Fossali, Samantha Fossali (fiancé Jared Martin), Greta (Matt) Preuss, Mitchell & Ethan Johnson; Seth, Cole (fiancé Ali Carlson) & Jenna Ware. Great grandchildren: Lewis & George Grimm, Baylor Grahn & Coulston Carter and many, many wonderful nieces and nephews.
She is preceded in death by her parents, Ruth Kolpack (sister) and Robert Gross (brother-in-law). We are so grateful to the staff at Homestead Living and Hospice for their dedication to our wife/mother. They were a true blessing to us, providing wonderful care during this very trying time.
A Funeral Service will be held at 11:00 A.M. on Saturday, April 12, 2025, at St Dennis Catholic Church, 505 Dempsey Road, Madison, Wisconsin. Visitation will be held from 9:00 A.M. until the time of service. The Mass will be livestreamed, and a luncheon will follow immediately after the service.
Dolores’s legacy is one of quiet strength, enduring love for her family, and heart full of song. May her memory bring comfort to all who knew and loved her.
Please see link below for Funeral Service Livestream.
https://vimeo.com/event/5051532
To view and sign this guestbook, please visit: www.ryanfuneralservice.com.
Ryan Funeral Home & Cremation Services
2418 N Sherman Ave
608-249-8257
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Memories
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Steven Roloff
Family • 19 days ago
So sorry and sad to hear about Dolores. Those who touch our lives stay in our hearts forever. Our thoughts and prayers are with you Kenny and family. Steven, Stephanie, and Madison Roloff
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Deanna Grahn
Other • about 1 month ago
Deanna Grahn planted 10 trees in memory of Dolores G. Nicholls . - April 03, 2025
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Kathy Lomasney
Other • 29 days ago
Kathy Lomasney planted 5 trees in memory of Dolores G. Nicholls . - April 04, 2025
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Kathy,Tree,Bryan,Erin and Bryan G. The Lomasney family
Other • 29 days ago
Going to miss talking to you at the fence line...Laughing at our husbands. Exchanging plants and Garden flowers..we are planting trees in your memory to live on..now and always in our hearts. Sleep well and be whole again Dolores. Until we meet again. Kathy,Tree,Bryan,Erin and Bryan G the Lomasney family
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Scott Bauer
Other • 28 days ago
So very sorry for your loss Kenny and family! May her beautiful soul rest in peace! Scott, Sheri, Sterling, Skylar and Sierra aka Ping Pong!
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Rachel Boechler
Other • 28 days ago
May you rest in peace, Aunt Dolores...and plant the most beautiful garden imaginable in your next chapter.