Paul Mark Donovan

PAUL MARK DONOVAN, age 71, of New Richland passed away the evening of Monday, March 18, 2024 at Mayo Clinic Health System in Rochester. 

Born on September 21, 1952 in Colorado Springs, CO, he was the son of Willis and Winefred (Gravitt) Donovan. He attended Titusville High School. He enlisted in the US Army and Marines on February 8, 1970 where he served in the Vietnam War. He was honorably discharged. He was united in marriage to Lynn Nelson on October 22, 1974 in Titusville, FL. They later divorced. 

Following his military career, Paul worked in the construction field as a sandblaster. He went to work as a service manager for a Chrysler dealership. After he moved to Minnesota, Paul worked for Ford Motor in Mankato as a service advisor until his health declined. In his free time, Paul enjoyed watching WWE wrestling. He had an impressive collection of hand-blown glass and a special cat, Rosco. He was able to fulfill one of his lifelong dreams of visiting the John Wayne Museum a few years ago. He will be dearly missed.

Paul is survived by his children, Jay Donovan of New Richland, Paul (Liz) Donovan of Mankato, Christopher (Stacy) Donovan of Waseca; grandchildren, Brandon Williams-Donovan, Jaden Donovan, Cody Donovan, Caylee Donovan, Conner Donovan, Trinoty Donovan, Mayson Donovan, Andrew Donovan, Jayde Donovan, Makya Donovan; great-granddaughter, Juno Donovan; brother, Robert Donovan of Florida; sister-in-law, Cindy (Paul) Pfannebecker of Waseca; close friend, Chad Edwards of Northern Minnesota. 

He was preceded in death by his parents, Willis and Winefred Donovan; step-mother, Jeanette Donovan; and brother, Timothy Donovan. 

A private family graveside service will be at Fort Snelling National Cemetery. A celebration of Paul’s life will take place at a later date.