Daniel T. Donovan

COTTAGE GROVE- Dann Donovan, age 62, of Cottage Grove passed away Monday, Sept. 20,2010, at St. Mary's Hospital in Madison following a long illness. He was born in Ogdensburg, N.Y. on May 16, 1948. Dann's parents were Bernard and Bertha (Sobon) Donovan. He enjoyed a happy childhood on the family farm near Canton, N.Y., where he attended elementary and high school. He was an altar boy, a good student, an athlete who went by the name of "Moose," and a friend to many. He was a graduate of St. Lawrence University, also in Canton, N.Y., where he earned degrees in English, guidance and counseling. He was teaching English in Ogdensburg, N.Y. when he met Pat Hagan, who became his best friend. In 1976, she also became his wife and went on to share life's ups and downs until his death. In 1984, they were blessed with the arrival of their son, Matthew, whom they raised together and treasured more than anything in the world. After teaching in Ogdensburg, N.Y., Dann pursued a career in Wisconsin as a guidance counselor. He retired from the Edgerton School District five years ago. Since then, he and Pat enjoyed a much anticipated retirement that was unfortunately cut far too short. An optimist, Dann always looked on the bright side even in the face of his devastating illness. He met his health challenges over the course of 14 years with grace. He will be remembered as a kind and gentle man with a wicked sense of humor. An avid Bears fan, he enjoyed nothing better than a joke at the expense of the Packers fans. The statement that "you can take the boy out of the country, but not the country out of the boy" fits Dann to a "T". Although he moved from the north country years ago, a piece of his rural upbringing always remained with him. What he enjoyed most were quiet times in the outdoors hiking, biking or cross country skiing, with Pat. He was a dedicated father. He was so proud of Matt's accomplishments and was thankful to have lived to see Matt successfully pass the milestones in life. He was well known, and respected as a guidance counselor, because he was a true advocate for children. He was an active member of the Cottage Grove Optimists, the Community Gardens and the Friends of the Library Book Club. He is survived by his wife, Pat; son, Matt; sister, Sharon (Bob) Regan of Potsdam, N.Y.; brother-in-law, Bob (Sandy) Hagan of Brooklyn, N.Y.; nieces, Kristen and Kimberly Regan; and nephews, Charlie and Tony Hagan. He will be missed by his feline friend, Bruce and his imaginary canine companion, Bullett. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at ST. PATRICK CATHOLIC CHURCH, 434 N. Main St., Cottage Grove, at 11 a.m. on Friday, Sept. 24, 2010, with Monsignor Raymond Kurtz presiding. Visitation will be at GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL HOME, 5203 Monona Drive, Madison, from 5 p.m. until 8 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 23, 2010, and at the church from 10 a.m. until the time of service on Friday, Sept. 24, 2010. The service will be followed by a luncheon and a private burial. Memorials may be may be made in Dann's name to the University of Wisconsin Carbone Comprehensive Cancer Center or to a scholarship fund to be set up for the students of Edgerton High School. Memorials: Memorials may be may be made in Dann's name to the University of Wisconsin Carbone Comprehensive Cancer Center or to a scholarship fund to be set up for the students of Edgerton High School. Visitation: Visitation will be at GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL HOME, 5203 Monona Drive, Madison, from 5 p.m. until 8 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 23, 2010, and at the church from 10 a.m. until the time of service on Friday, Sept. 24, 2010. Service: A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at ST. PATRICK CATHOLIC CHURCH, 434 N. Main St., Cottage Grove, at 11 a.m. on Friday, Sept. 24, 2010, with Monsignor Raymond Kurtz presiding.