Patrick D. (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 and internment will be held in Rochester, MN.