Daniel Leo Donovan was born to Veronica (Adams) and Cyril C Donovan [both of Waseca County] 3 Sept 1933 in Minneapolis, MN, and died on 29 April 2021 in West Palm Beach, FL, from injuries sustained when hit by a truck on 22 April while crossing a street in his electric wheelchair.
Dan had strong roots in Waseca County, spending some childhood summers in New Richland with his grandparents, Dan and Margaret (Haas) Adams.
He attended Minneapolis Central High School, graduating in 1951. While in high school, Dan helped found and organize CONTACT, a vibrant citywide Catholic Youth Movement organized through the schools under leadership of Father Joseph Baglio. Dan served as first CONTACT chairman for Central, working with Beverly Sievers, core organizer of the CYC, a friend of Dan’s until his death.
Dan served 6 years in the U.S. Navy, then worked in the travel industry running his own travel agency. He oversaw the care of his parents as they aged. After their deaths, he sold their home and moved to West Palm Beach where he worked as a chemical dependency counselor until retirement.
He was a favorite among his 22 Adams cousins. He was artistically and socially gifted, using his skills to serve others. He pursued a personal mission of service up until his last ride on his “Cadillac” and undoubtedly was running errands for his many elderly friends even then.
Dan was preceded in death by his parents, his partner Paul Estelle and five siblings: an infant sister, Patricia (Donald) Shea, Barbara Ann, Thomas (Brianna Kearney) and Michael (Wanda Monique). He is survived by Monique and Brianna, many cousins, nieces, nephews and friends.
Dan was a resident of Christian Manor and member of St Ann’s Parish in WPB. Each Sunday he and his good friend Kathleen Rasmussen went by van to Mass together. Kathleen was a bridge between Dan and his family during his last days, present at his final sacraments and death. We will be forever grateful.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on 26 May 2021 at 11 am by Dan’s cousin Father James F. Adams at St Francis de Sales Church in St Paul. Interment will be at Fort Snelling National Cemetery near his brothers and parents. Arrangements All County Mortuary.