Patrick Dennis “Denny” Donovan
Sunday, December 7, 1947
Date of Death:
Sunday, November 27, 2022
Age:
74 years old
Sunday, December 7, 1947
Date of Death:
Sunday, November 27, 2022
Age:
74 years old
Sunday, December 7, 1947
Date of Death:
Sunday, November 27, 2022
Age:
74 years old
Patrick Dennis “Denny” Donovan
Denny Donovan, a beloved husband, father, and papa entered into eternal rest on Sunday, November 27, 2022 surrounded by family after a courageous battle. He was 74.
Denny was born December 7, 1947 in Dubuque, IA to John and Agnes (Dillon Callahan) Donovan. He graduated from Wahlert High School in 1966. On July 12, 1969, he married Shirley O’Hara at Nativity Catholic Church. They lived in Dubuque where Denny was a home builder until 1981 when they moved to Clinton, IA where Denny began what would become his lifelong career with Carpetland USA.
Denny and Shirley relocated to Rochester, MN in 1996 where they owned Carpetland USA. In 2007, they moved back “home” to Dubuque, where Denny worked for Carpetland through his retirement in 2016.
A faithful man, Denny was a great role model to his four children and 14 grandchildren. He would never let on how sick he was. He has passed along his strength and determination to all who knew him. He worked hard and his success was everyone’s success.
He and Shirely loved their time boating on the Mississippi River. From the early days learning the hard way what a sandbar is to the days when his grandchildren took turns driving on his lap. Denny took pride in his grandchildren and loved watching them no matter if they were playing on the field, ice or stage. He will be remembered for his smirk that lives on in his grandson, the twinkle in his eye, and his infectious laugh. Mondays and Fridays were for WWE and he loved a good cop or true-crime show.
Denny is survived by his loving wife of 53 years, Shirley (O’Hara), son Terry (Tina) Donovan of La Crescent, MN, daughter Carrie Donovan Plumlee of Rochester, MN, son Dennis (Mindy) Donovan of Carlisle, IA and Daniel (Andrea) Donovan of Oregon, WI; his 14 grandchildren: Dylan Muhr, Riley (Aimee), Ashley, Matt, Alex, Donovan Plumlee, Callan Plumlee, Delanie (Dylan) Tuttle, Tyler (Anna), Thomas, Joseph, Hallie, Charles, Anna; and great granddaughter Sloane; brother Tony (Betty) Callahan, sister Mary Ann (Donovan) Dalsing, sisters-in-law Barbara Callahan, Marilyn Callahan, Mary O’Hara. Mary Ann O’Hara and sister-in-law Lee O’Hara (Dale) Ehlers and many nieces and nephews.
Denny is preceded in death by his parents John Donovan, Agnes (Dillon Callahan) Donovan; parents-in-law Cliff and Margaret (Connolly O’Hara) Renslow; sister Florence (Callahan) Martin; brother-in-law Jim Martin; brothers Charles “Chuck” Callahan, Robert “Don” Callahan, Raymond “Ray” and Dorothy Callahan, John “Jack” and Jannette Callahan, Arthur and Luella Donovan, Clement and Valois Donovan, Herbert and Catherine Donovan, William and Jane Donovan; sisters Genevieve and Donald “Doc” Salwollke, Helen and “Jim” Guler; Brothers-in-law, Nilus Dalsing, Richard “Dick” O’Hara and John “Jack” O’Hara.
The funeral service will be held at 12:00 p.m. Saturday, December 3, 2022 at Church of the Resurrection with Fr. Shawn Haremza officiating. Visitation will be held from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. prior to the service. Celebration of Life luncheon will follow mass at Rochester Eagles Club.
Interment of ashes will be at Grandview Memorial Gardens in Rochester at a later date.
Online condolences are welcome at www.mackenfuneralhome.com.
Condolences
The family of Patrick Dennis “Denny” Donovan has received the following condolences.
Shirley and the Donovan Family,
It is with a heavy heart that I wrap my mind around the fact that my long time friend and associate has passed away. He was a good man, hard worker, and good friend. We enjoyed many good times together. I know you, his family, were very important to him. He was always striving to do the best for you. He provided a good example for life. When life gave Denny a setback, he would pick himself back up and continue to move forward. You have my sympathy for the big hole his passing has created. As you deal with this grief, also look back and celebrate a life well lived. I wish you God’s peace and blessings.
We are so very sorry for your loss Shirley (& family), wish we could be there today but our thought and prayers are with you and we are keeping you close in our hearts. So very grateful that we all got to be together recently, hope to see you again soon. Take care of each other over the next few days, we will be in touch. All our love and Gods blessings ~ Tony & Betty
So sorry for your loss. Denny helped me purchase carpet for my first house back in 1996. He treated everyone like family. My thoughts and prayers are with the family.
Aunt Shirley and family, My heart hurts so bad for your family. I wish I was not so far away. Will pray for you all and uncle Denny. Thinking of you always.❤️❤️ Love Mona and Kevin Dunwoody
Blessings and peace to your family. I am glad that I was able to know Dennis a little bit from my time at Carpetland. His love of family, his sense of humor, and his laugh are unforgettable. My heart goes out to all his family and friends. He will be missed here, but I imagine Dennis is truly entertaining angels.
To the family of Denny:
I am sick with sorrow for all of you. I know the pain of losing your long time loved one. Denny was a wonderful husband, father, and grandfather. I enjoyed watching Denny play and interact with his children when my children and I visited from California. One time Shirley and Denny came to Lake Tahoe for a vacation. Al and I drove there to see them. This was winter. Tahoe is a ski area. Denny brought his golf clubs! Al and I laughed about that for years.
Love,
Cheri