Della C. Donovan
Tuesday, August 28, 1923
Date of Death:
Sunday, September 4, 2011
Age:
88 years old
Visitation
Date: Thursday September 08, 2011
Time: 5:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Location: River Park Chapel at Macken Funeral Home [ view map ]
Second Visitation
Date: Friday September 09, 2011
Time: 9:30 am - 10:00 am
Location: Co-Cathedral of St. John The Evangelist [ view map ]
Funeral Mass
Date: Friday September 09, 2011
Time: 10:00 am
Location: Co-Cathedral of St. John The Evangelist [ view map ]
Tuesday, August 28, 1923
Date of Death:
Sunday, September 4, 2011
Age:
88 years old
Tuesday, August 28, 1923
Date of Death:
Sunday, September 4, 2011
Age:
88 years old
Della C. Donovan
The funeral mass for Della C. Donovan will be at 10:00 a.m. Friday, September 9, 2011 at The Church of St. John the Evangelist. Burial will be in Mount Olivet Cemetery in Waukon, Iowa at a later date. Visitation will be held from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Thursday, September 8, 2011 in the River Park Chapel at Macken Funeral Home and one half hour prior to services at the church.
Della C. Donovan, 88 passed away on Sunday, September 4, 2011 at her home at Meadow Lakes Assisted Living in Rochester, MN.
Della was the oldest of 5 children born to John and Vernie Griffin in Spring Grove, MN. She grew up on a farm near Dorchester, Iowa. She graduated from Waukon Iowa High School. She also attended beauty college in Watertown, South Dakota.
In 1945, she married George Donovan at Queen of Angels Church in Austin, MN. In their early years, Della and George owned and operated the “Park Lane Drive Inn” in Clear Lake, Iowa. Della later operated “Della’s Beauty Shop” in Brownsdale, MN. Della and George started their family in Clear Lake, Iowa. They later moved to Blue Earth, MN before finally moving to Rochester in 1963.
Della was active for many years in a women’s circle at St. John’s the Evangelist Catholic Church. She was involved in many of her children’s school activities including scouting. Della was a devoted Twins fan and rarely missed a game. After the children were older, Della worked at K-Mart, which she enjoyed for many years. Della will be remembered by family and friends for her “Dellaisms”, great cooking, sewing and playing 500. Though Della never had many worldly goods, she always gave of what she had.
Della was preceded in death by her parents, John and Vernie Griffin, George Donovan; sister, Gen Lageson; brother, Greg Griffin and granddaughter Kelly Kacheroski. She is survived by her brother, Jack (Hope) Griffin and sister, Karen (Dean) Drew. Her 8 children include, Pat Lounsbury, JoAnn (Raymond) Donovan-Connoy, Mary Lou Donovan, Monica (Bob) Milbrandt, Teresa Donovan (Tom Kacheroski), Dan (Betsy) Donovan, Don (Juli) Donovan, Brian (Lori) Donovan. Her grandchildren are Andy, Katy, Megan, Tim, Dan (Renae), Erin (Matt), Christopher (Erin), Michael, Jenna, Paul, Bridgett, Collin, Ashli, Joshua, Trevor, Claire, Margaret and great grandson, Ben.
We want to express our appreciation to the staff at Meadow Lakes for the kindness, patience and caring over the 11 years she lived there. The family would also like to thank Season’s Hospice for all the understanding and compassion that was shown to Della and her family during this difficult time.
Macken Funeral Home in charge of arrangements.
Online condolences are welcome at www.mackenfuneralhome.com
Condolences
The family of Della C. Donovan has received the following condolences.
So sorry to hear of your loss. May Mother Mary hold you close during this time of grief.
To all the Donavan family'
We rented our first apartment from George & Della when we were first married .They were awesome people. Della was a great help to us when we brought our first baby home. She hung clothes on the line to dry...made great meals...best cookies & cakes around.Loved to sew & mend...most of all she loved her children & family.Della was a awesome lady that i will never forget ....the best !!Our deepest sympathy to all of you.
Keeping you in our thought & prayers.
Dave & June Bleess
I am so sorry to hear about Della's passing. Losing ones mother is a very difficult time. Della, as well as all of you, have been in my prayers and will continue to be. Memories of being with all of you in Blue Earth and Rochester will always be with me. My heartfelt condolences to all of you.
I started in 1987 at Kmart with Della. Since i worked up front i got to know her very well. She was an jack of all trades. She always kept the j-Hooks well plenish in between the regigsters. She always enjoy when i brought my kids in. This was my first job and my daughter was 6 weeks old when i started there, she in now 24. Della sure enjoy life and never an dull moment at kmart.
I'm just glad I got to know her. Sorry, for your loss!!!!
Sorry to about Della. My prayers are with her family.
Della will be missed at Meadow Lakes,I am glad that I got to be a part of her life. I have enjoyed Della for over 4 years. Deb
I'm so sorry to hear of Aunt Dellas passing. I have many good memories of our visits to your home as kids. Thank you for that. Our thoughts and prayers are with Aunt Della and your family.
Marlene & family
Teresa,Tom,and Family,
We are so sorry for your Mothers' passing. Plase accept our sincere condolences at this very stressful time.
We will keep your mother in our prayers.
Pat and Jerry Kacheroski
we are so sorry, your mother is now with her husband
and your father...
we will keep you and your family in our prayers...
frank and deborah
kacheroski
My thoughts and peaceful wishes are with you and your family at this difficult time Dan.
Dan, Betsy, and family,
We're so sorry to hear of your loss. Moms are so special, Della has left each of you with a big ole bundle of love on your hearts that will always be there. You will feel it every time something or someone reminds you of a special memory of your Mom. Though it's sometimes hard, let those memories bring smiles to your face. That's what your Mom would have wanted. Our thoughts and prayer are with you.
Dear Donovan family,
So sorry to hear about Della's passing but glad to hear she was comfortable and well cared for in her last years. I do remember many good times at the Donovan house growing up. I often managed at least a quick stop on my way home from school with Teresa to enjoy a cookie. And if i lingered, your parents never seemed to mind having one more kids at the dinner table. My daughters, Grace and Anna, enjoyed also getting to know Della a little bit having served her meals this past year, both worked at Meadow Lakes.
Blessings to you all and lots of love,
Sara Kelly Miller
I was saddened to hear of Della's passing. She always had a quick smile and witt. I always enjoyed joking with her during my Sundays brunch visits with dad. The staff at meadow lakes will miss her
Pat Blum
Meadow Lakes will not be the same without Della. She was there with us from the beginning. I will remember Della for her spunk and great spirit. She always made us laugh! Thank you for sharing your Mom with us. She will be dearly missed by us all.
Colette
to Monica, Joan, Theresa, Marylou, Patty, brian, don and dan
So sorry about your mom but she lived a long life and we all had fun
when she was well. she will be with her brother and sister and her parents now
Marcia