"Lorie, I am so sorry for your loss. Know that you can always reach out to family and friends for support. Hugs, love and prayers to you and family !"
In loving memory of
Ken Donovan
June 26, 1949 - June 10, 2018
Kenneth D. Donovan, 68, of Rochester, MN died Sunday, June 10, 2018 at his residence.
Kenneth Duane Donovan was born June 26, 1949 to Howard and Bernice (King) Donovan in Austin, MN. He grew up in Brownsdale and graduated from Hayfield High School in 1967. Ken proudly served in the Army National Guard from 1969 - 1975. Ken married Lorie Ahlness, the couple was married for 41 years. He worked at the Mayo Clinic as a certified surgical technician for 43 years. He was an avid softball player in Hayfield and Rochester. Ken loved the MN Vikings, was proud of his 1985 Camaro and loved his dogs.
Ken is survived by his wife, Lorie of Rochester; his children Troy (fiancé, Jill) of Mantorville, MN and Tim (Tanya) of Rochester; many grandchildren; many nieces and nephews; one brother, Dick (Karen) of Colorado Springs, CO and brothers-in-law, Kevin Ferrie of St. Charles, MN Lon (Vicky) Ahlness of Hanska, MN and Lynn (Jane) Ahlness of Hanska, MN. He was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Debra; his brother, Dean; and his sister-in-law, Lou (Jim) Zimmerman.
A Visitation will be held from 4:00-7:00 p.m. on Thursday, June 14, 2018 at Ranfranz and Vine Funeral Homes. Burial will take place at a later date at Calvary Cemetery in Austin, MN.
To leave a special memory or condolence please visit www.ranfranzandvinefh.com Ranfranz and Vine Funeral Homes 5421 Royal Place NW Rochester, MN 55901 (507) 289-3600
Tributes
"Ken and I worked together for 35 years. He was the Best surgical assistant at St. Mary?s Hospital. He taught me a lot over the years and we maintained a great friendship and mutual respect for each other. Everybody liked Ken;Everybody!!! I will miss him terribly. He was a true friend and colleague. Steve Kramer"
"Saddened to hear of the loss of Ken. Please know my thoughts and prayers are with you and the family during this diffficult time. Dan Donovan ( Ken?s cousin )"
"Lorie and Family, I am so sorry to read of Kens passing. Your family will be in my prayers. Dave Klompenhower "
"Although the time I was able to spend with Ken was along ago, I continue to enjoy the memories of time together. Colorado vacations, "Hayfield Days", and family gatherings. Ken was a great friendly, caring person. He will be sadly missed - never forgotten. God's speed Ken!! BTW, thanks for taking such great care of my / your Iroc..."
"I had Ken as a student in Hayfield High School. I remember him as a fun-loving, yet hard working young man! I think it was his smile which drew people to him! May God bless the great memories you have of Ken! Frank Moon"
"Lorie and Family, Ken will be dearly missed. I had the blessing of working with Ken for many years as a Surgical Assistant! He was always caring and compassionate. Treated his friends with love, kindness and understanding. Ken shared his knowledge readily with new employees that helped patients as well as colleagues. He was very sharing of stories, laughs and a hug when needed. RIP Ken, I learned a lot both personally and professionally! Til we meet again! CHEERS! Joan"
"My deepest condolences to the entire family. My prayers are with all of you in this time of need. I will miss Ken dropping by our office, cup in hand, and some quip that would always put a smile on my face. The path of our lives is built step by step. Find comfort that in taking this final step, Ken is now starting a brand new path... a glorious path...that is far better. Find security in the fact that he will still be watching over you, that was his nature. Find faith in the fact that you will be reunited with him when the time is right. May God bless your entire family during this sorrowful time and the healing process yet to come."
"To my Uncle Ken, My heart broke when I received the news. I didn?t want to accept that God chose to take you. As I was boarding a long flight I had time to be still and think about you, your life and now your eternal life. What was always constant about your life is that you were caring. You deeply cared for your family , your friends and humanity in general. I would often find you doing things for people but wanted no recognition nor acknowledgment. I also knew that if I wanted a really good laugh I needed to sit by my uncle Ken because his words were spoken softly but he always had a joke or some sarcasm that always makes for a good laugh. Yesterday I was invisioning you being reunited with my mom in Heaven. I imagined she gave you a big hug and said welcome home...I?ve got a lot to show you big brother. Today I wake up thinking about those that are left behind. I pray for Lorie, Tim and Troy. Pray that you are filled with memories that will carry you through. I love you. Uncle Ken you will be missed in so many ways. ??"
"Dear Lorie, Sorry to hear of Ken's death. I send blessings and know that your strength and peace will come from the love and support of family and friends. "
"To Lorie, Troy, Tim, and the rest of the family my dearest condolences. I remember when I was younger and we would do the road trip to Rochester to Uncle Ken and Aunt Lorie. Always love d visiting with him. Sure am going to miss him."
"Dad, It?s hard to put into words what I feel right now but disbelief and shock would be two good adjectives. Though it only has been a day and a half since your passing, not a moment that goes by I don?t think of you. I will miss your daily phone calls and carring and compassionate mannerisms. I will never forget each Christmas how you would randomly pay off multiple families layaway gifts with no regard for recognition or praise. We will miss you dearly and love you very much! Love your son, Troy"