Rev. V. Anthony Dolski

The Reverend Vernon Anthony (Tony) Dolski, 80, Green Bay, passed away peacefully on Saturday evening, September 17, 2011. Fr. Tony was born the youngest of 7 children in the Township of West Kewaunee on August 19, 1931 to the late Anton and Mary (Wawczyniak) Dolski. Fr. Tony attended high school at Kewaunee, philosophical and theological studies at St Francis de Sales Seminary, Milwaukee. He was ordained by Bishop Stanislaus V. Bona at St Francis Xavier Cathedral, Green Bay, on May 23, 1959. At his retirement celebration, Fr. Tony revealed the three significant circumstances affecting his call to priesthood. During his high school days and for two years later, he sang in a men's four-part harmony church choir at Holy Rosary, Kewaunee. Fr. Tony was inspired by the priesthood of Fr. John Schmitt who was the organist and director. Secondly, his social skills were enhanced through his love for music and his gift for playing drums both in high school and two dance bands. The third influence was prayer. His mother prayed for him with all her heart that he might be a holy priest of God and his sister prayed the 54 day Rosary Novena that inspired him to leave the farm, the band and all worldly pursuits behind. Fr. Tony felt humbled by his own accomplishments and credited his efforts to the grace of God. He encouraged all to be open to the Holy Spirit and God’s guiding hand. Fr. Dolski’s first appointment was Assistant at Holy Rosary Parish, New Holstein. He served as Assistant at St. Joseph Parish, Wautoma (1959), St. Joseph Parish, Marinette (1959), and St. Joseph Parish, Green Bay (1962). Father was active in the Migrant Apostolate from his seminary days, including summers at Ss. Peter and Paul Parish, Institute (1961-1965) and at Corpus Christi Parish, Sturgeon Bay (1966). He was Director of the Migrant Apostolate (1968-1973), while continuing as Assistant at St. Joseph Parish, Green Bay, where he served for 24 years. Father was then appointed Pastor of St. Francis Xavier Parish, De Pere, in August of 1986 and served there until his retirement in June of 2006. He continued his priestly ministry in a variety of ways throughout his retirement. Fr. Tony performed the sacrament of matrimony for many nieces and nephews and lovingly baptized their children and grandchildren. He loved his ministry and could not have been more loved and respected by his immediate family. He is best described as a dear friend, listener and mentor and father figure. In the past few days, many people from his former parishes, fellow priests and other acquaintances expressed their deep love and respect for Fr. Tony to various family members. He will be greatly missed in person, but his spirit will live on in all who knew him. He was an enthusiastic Packer fan who loved to debate the team and attended many games when possible. Fr. Tony enjoyed shopping with friends, but most of all, he just loved helping others and performing his ministry. Survivors include Joan Bares (sister), Fond du Lac, WI, Jerome Dolski Sr. (brother) and his wife Edith, Kewaunee, WI; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by infant brothers Joseph and Anthony, Gertrude Ihlenfeldt (sister) and her husband, Vernon, Alice Flaherty (sister) and her husband, Ray, and brother-in-law, Ray Bares. Fr. Tony will be remembered for his faith-filled approach to life, his devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary, and his kindness and love which inspired others to strive for holiness. Reception of the body will be at 4:00 p.m. by the Vicar, Reverend Richard Getchel, at St. Francis Xavier CATHEDRAL, Green Bay on Wednesday, September 21. Visitation will follow, ending with a parish wake service at 7:00 p.m. led by the Reverend Thomas Farrell. Visitation will continue on Thursday, September 22, from 9:30 a.m. until the time of the Funeral. The Funeral Liturgy, expressing our faith and hope in the promised glory of the Lord’s Resurrection, will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, September 22, 2011 at St. Francis Xavier CATHEDRAL, corner of Monroe and Doty, Green Bay, with Bishop David L. Ricken officiating, and the Reverend John Girotti, homilist. Entombment will be in Allouez Mausoleum, Green Bay. Cotter Funeral Home, De Pere, is handling arrangements. Online condolences may be expressed at www.cotterfuneralhome.com.