Andrew Francis Dolge

Andrew Francis Dolge

May 13, 1945 — September 20, 2018

Cullowhee, North Carolina

Andrew Francis Dolge died on Thursday, September 20, 2018 at the VA in Asheville after a long and valiant battle with cancer.  Daddy was a man of God, a Marine, a retired hospice nurse, a husband, a father, a brother, an uncle, and a friend to many.   “Grandy Andy”, “Grandrew Andrew”, and “Andrew the Great” as he was called by his grandchildren and great grandchildren will be so greatly missed.  Andrew’s love of his family and friends was only exceeded by his great love for the Lord.  He is known throughout Western North Carolina as the gentle giant who helped guide the loved ones of countless families through their final days with the sweetest care and compassion.  Andrew loved his coffee and his food!  He could often be found at Kostas in Dillsboro enjoying HOT black coffee and great food.  He never met a stranger and was always quick with a kind word and a comforting Scripture. 

Dad proudly served his country with 10 years of active service in the Marine Corps from 1963 to 1973, with two tours in Vietnam.  He rarely spoke of his time in Vietnam, and when he did, he always downplayed his role there.  His service came at a very high cost, as his cancer was directly attributed to his time in Vietnam.   

Andrew was preceded in death by his father, George Andrew Dolge, his mother, Pauline Marie Middleditch Dolge, his grandson, Jonathan Andrew Dolge, and his granddaughter, Elizabeth Anne Dolge.  He is survived by his precious wife, Karen Rasmussen Dolge, his sister, Yvonne Marie Lewis, his daughter, Michelle Renee Dayhoff, his son-in-law, Mark William Dayhoff, his son, Michael Andrew Dolge, his granddaughter Jenna Renee Klamm, his grandson-in-law, Matthew William Klamm, his granddaughter, Rebecca Lynn Dolge, and by his NINE great grandchildren:  Caleb William, Madison Grace, Isaac Andrew, Jamin Wesley, Riley Faith, Mark “Ace” Richard and Enoch David plus twins due in December.

Andrew also had a deep love for animals.  We are certain there must be lots of puppy tail wagging and kitty cat purring happening in heaven right now! 

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you make a donation to Samaritan’s Purse at www.samaritanspurse.org.  The family would also like to thank the VA staff in Asheville who took such great care of Andrew this week:  Dr. McLaughlin, Dr. Glen Gafford, Tony, Ellen, Michael, Donna, Anita, Dora, Georgie, Michael, Jason, and all the others we forgot to name – you made an excruciatingly difficult time bearable with YOUR sweet care and compassion.  May God richly bless you abundantly more than you could ask or imagine. 

Lastly, Dad would remind you, that as believers, “we do not mourn as those without hope.”  He shared with his friends in a recent email: “when I die – know that I have gone to see King Jesus to worship Him and praise His Holy Name.”  His prayer was that all would come to a saving knowledge of Jesus as Lord and Savior.  We join Dad in that prayer.  Blessings and Semper Fi.