William Leigh Donovan
Friday, September 15, 1939
Date of Death:
Saturday, October 31, 2020
Age:
81 years old
Visitation
Date: Saturday November 07, 2020
Time: 11:00 am - 12:00 pm
Location: Church of the Resurrection Catholic Church [ view map ]
Memorial Mass
Date: Saturday November 07, 2020
Time: 12:00 pm
Location: Church of the Resurrection Catholic Church [ view map ]
Burial
Location: Calvary Cemetery [ view map ]
Friday, September 15, 1939
Date of Death:
Saturday, October 31, 2020
Age:
81 years old
Friday, September 15, 1939
Date of Death:
Saturday, October 31, 2020
Age:
81 years old
William Leigh Donovan
William “Bill” Donovan, 81, of Rochester, MN passed away peacefully with family on October 31st, 2020 of natural causes.
Bill was born on September 15th, 1939 in Rochester, MN to Leigh and Anne (Maschler) Donovan. He graduated from Lourdes High School Class of 1957. Bill joined the Army in 1962, where he was stationed in Germany and was discharged with good conduct and marksmanship in 1964.
He worked at the Mayo Clinic from 1965 – 2001, where he met his wife, Janis Wichmann. Bill and Janis were married on October 3, 1970 in Tracy, MN. Together with his wife they established Shamrock Hills Stable in 1972 and enjoyed trail riding with family and lifelong friends. Bill was a lover of books, music, photography, cars and fishing. His greatest love was spending time with family and grandchildren in addition to hosting and attending the many Donovan family gatherings.
Bill is survived by his wife, Janis; two sons, Greg (Mindy) of Fargo, ND and Richard (Erin) of Grant, MN; six grandchildren, Maren (18), Aeryn (16), Will (11), Harrison (5), Adeline (4), and Rey Anne (3); four siblings, Kathleen Hunter of Mendocino, CA, Gary (Ronice) of Rochester, MN, Lauren Donovan of Rochester, MN and Maureen (Paul) Kuehn of Rochester, MN; three nieces; and three nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents.
A Memorial Mass for William will be held at 12:00 p.m. Saturday, November 7, 2020 at Resurrection Catholic Church with Rev. Peter Schuster officiating. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service at church. The church will be live streaming the service at 12:00 p.m. The link can be found on their website main page and will be viewable for two to three hours following the conclusion of the service. Burial will be in the Calvary Cemetery.
Memorials are welcome to a charity of the donor’s choosing.
Condolences
The family of William Leigh Donovan has received the following condolences.
Jan and family we were so sorry to hear of Bills passing . My mom Bernice noticed the announcement in the Saturday Post Bulletin but it was after the funeral service . Our thoughts are with you and you family Mary and Bob Pyfferoen and Bernice Dee
Jan and Family,
Jim and I want to send our Condolences to you on the passing of Bill. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time. Bill was a very kind gentleman with a sense of humor that was always enjoyable to be in the company of his presence. May your many memories bring you Peace and Comfort in the years to come. Our Sincere Sympathy.
I am so sorry to hear of Bill's passing. My thoughts and prayers are with your family at this difficult time and I know your wonderful memories will carry you through.
I am so sorry to hear of Bill’s passing. I so enjoyed working with him. He always talked lovingly about his family.
Sending my Love & Sympathy,
Dianne Dunn
We are so sorry to hear of your loss. He fought a long battle which gave you and your family more time together. Due to COVID-19 and Ron’s health we are unable to attend,which is so heartbreaking. We would like to be there for you, but in our hearts we are. Lost track of where you live now after your move, please let me know.
our thoughts and prayers are with you and family,
Ron and Kay
Jan and family, I am very sorry to hear of Bill's passing! Bill and I worked together for many years and have many memories from that time. May he RIP after a life well lived!
Steve Dobson
Janice, Greg, Richard and families,
Sending our sympathy to you for your loss. Bill is such a devoted husband, father and grandfather and simply a very good man. We are privileged to have known him.
Connie and Doug Walter