Melinda (Mel) Dolan

Melinda (Mel) Dolan

Waubeek

Melinda (Mel) Dolan, 72, passed away October 1, 2025 at home with Dee by her side.

Mel was born on June 20, 1953 in Dubuque, IA. She graduated in 1971 from the Academy of Visitation, joined the U.S. Air Force and served in Okinawa, Japan. After the military Mel went to work for the FBI (served under J. Edgar Hoover) and later worked for the United States Postal Service in Dubuque.

Mel met Dee Neilsen in 2002 and then Mel moved to Waubeek, IA in 2003. In 2016 Mel and Dee were united in marriage. Fishing, being outside, and gardening were a big part of Mel and Dee’s passions. Once a week, during the summers, they floated the Wapsi River – fishing all the way. Mel’s favorite spot of the house was the screened porch. She sat for hours everyday watching nature and her beautiful wild flowers. Her wish was to sit on the porch and look out the window, and with friends’ help her wish came true in her final days.

Mel is survived by her wife Dee Neilsen, her special niece Deb Welter, Lucy and Star (their dogs), sisters Michelle Schriver from Florida, Kerry (Tony) Habel, Kristen Bushman and brother Ardin Dolan from Dubuque, and many nieces and nephews.

She is predeceased by her parents, Arden and Dorothy Dolan, daughter Jamie Ann Dolan (8 months old), baby brother Danny Dolan (at birth), and nephew Daniel Schriver.

A celebration of life will be held at the Central City American Legion on Saturday, October 25, 2025, 11 am-2 pm. Military rights will be at 11:30 am at the Legion Hall. Light lunch will be served.