Rita (Van Haren) Doleman
September 26, 1943 - June 15, 2012
Obituary
MADISON- Rita (Van Haren) Doleman, age 68, passed away while surrounded by family and dear friends on June 15, 2012 in Madison. She was a cherished wife, beautiful mother, treasured daughter, trusted sister, and loyal friend to many. Rita was born on Sept. 26, 1943 in Madison, the daughter of John and Ethel Van Haren. She married her life-long love Robert Doleman on Nov. 30, 1963 at St. Bernard Catholic Church in Madison. She was a graduate of Madison East High School and attended the University of Wisconsin- Madison. Rita began her career as an elementary school teacher where she influenced many lives at Sacred Hearts Elementary School in Sun Prairie. Her talent, wit and wisdom took her on many journeys and she ended her career as a highly-regarded and nationally-recognized account executive in high-tech shipping logistics. She was an educator, business woman, gardener, world traveler, comfort food expert, shopper, music lover, and dirty clubs player. Rita was a woman of grace who brought beauty and kindness to the world every day. She loved fearlessly and unconditionally. Her life is celebrated by her husband of 48 years, Bob; adoring daughters, Colleen (Kevin) Reilly, Lea (Todd) Culliton, Kristin (Rob) Charles and Valerie (Nate) Demuth; loving son, Eric; and nine grandchildren, Bobby, Connor, McKenna, Brady, Amanda, Sara, Dane, Maria and Vaughn. She is further survived by her brother, Duane (Bonnie) Van Haren; sister, Bonnie (Donald) Fontenot; and 34 nieces and nephews. She is preceded in death by her father and mother; her brothers, Jack (Joyce) and Donald (Carol Blicharz); nephew, Scott Van Haren; and niece, Julia Van Haren. A Celebration of Life Service will be held at GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL HOME, 5203 Monona Drive, Madison, at 6 p.m., on Monday, June 18, 2012. Visitation will be held at the funeral home from 3 p.m. until the time of service on Monday. Her beloved husband Bob and his family express heartfelt thanks, Rita-size hugs, and kind smiles to the family and friends who shared Rita’s joy of life. We warmly share her love.
Visitation will be held at the funeral home from 3 p.m. until the time of service on Monday.
A Celebration of Life Service will be held at GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL HOME, 5203 Monona Drive, Madison, at 6 p.m., on Monday, June 18, 2012.
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Memories
LT
Lisa Trewyn
Other •
To the Doleman family - Rita will be so missed by everyone who knew her. She was a great friend with an infectious laugh who would light up the room. She could not have asked for a better family that surrounded her with love. She'll be watching over each and every one of you...a new guardian angel. My sincerest sympathies to you all. Please take care in the days ahead.
Lisa T.
CC
Charles & Nellie Collier
Other •
We are so sorry for the lost and oy your wife and mother, Ya'll are in our prayers. Love ya'll Charles & Nellie
JH
Joyce Van Haren
Other •
I picked this up in the Madison paper and just wanted to say that I'm sorry for your loss. If I was closer I would stop by but the best I can do is say a prayer and enter it in the family tree.
Love and hugs
Joyce
TM
Tonya (Mantei) McGinnis
Other •
I worked at Christofferson's with Rita for a few years, she was a wonderful person. Rita saw only the good in people and always saw a bright side to any situation.
Her laugh was contagious.
Rita will be remembered by many for many years to come.
Thanks for the laughs Rita !
AW
Ashley Ware
Other •
Lea & Family- I am so sorry to hear of your loss. My thoughts are with you at this difficult time.
SG
Syd Gortva
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I wish there were more "Rita's" in my life. Rita made the world a better place. She was one in a million. Rita was beautiful inside and out! I will always carry a piece of her in my heart!!