Chester Englesby Dolva

MADISON- Chester “Duke” Dolva passed away peacefully on Friday, December 7, 2012, at Agrace HospiceCare following a long battle with lung cancer. He was born in Madison on July 3, 1932 to Chester and Marguerite Dolva. After graduating from East High School in 1950, Duke enlisted in the US Navy. After four years in the service, he returned to Madison and began working for the Madison Water Utility. He retired in 1991. Duke married the former Marian Schellhorn on October 14, 1961. They recently celebrated their 51st wedding anniversary. Duke was a kind and generous man who always thought of others. He fought his cancer with great courage and always with a positive attitude. Duke loved his trips to the mountains, his Canadian fishing trips, yearly trips to Door County with his family, watching movies and his monthly trips to Ho Chunk. He was an avid fan of the Badgers and Packers. Duke also loved watching his grandsons and their friends participate in sports and music. Being a “Dad” and a “Grandpa” were the greatest joys of his life. Duke is survived by his wife, Marian; his beloved daughter, Lisa Gasser; and his grandsons, Kyle and Luke Gasser. He is further survived by his sister, Bette Kuenning; several nieces and nephews; and many dear friends. Funeral services will be held at GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL HOME, 5203 Monona Drive, Madison, at 11 a.m., on Saturday, December 15, 2012, with the Rev. Francis R. Deaner presiding. Burial will follow at Highland Memory Gardens with military honors. Visitation will be held at the funeral home from 9:30 a.m. until the time of service on Saturday. Memorials may be given to the Bashford Church Food Pantry, the Salvation Army or Second Harvest Food Pantry. We are grateful to the Dean Oncology staff and the wonderful people of Agrace HospiceCare for their guidance and care through this long journey. A very special thanks to Jim and Dave for being such loyal friends. Please visit www.gundersonfh.com to leave an online condolence for Duke’s family. “We will miss you sweetheart until we meet again. We love you ‘Gramps’!” Cemetery: Burial will follow at Highland Memory Gardens with military honors. Memorials may be given to the Bashford Church Food Pantry, the Salvation Army or Second Harvest Food Pantry. Visitation will be held at the funeral home from 9:30 a.m. until the time of service on Saturday. Funeral services will be held at GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL HOME, 5203 Monona Drive, Madison, at 11 a.m., on Saturday, December 15, 2012, with the Rev. Francis R. Deaner presiding.