Obituaries

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.

To view and sign this guestbook, please visit: www.ryanfuneralservice.com.

Ryan Funeral Home & Cremation Services

2418 N Sherman Ave

608-249-8257