Bill Donohue
July 09, 1933 - September 16, 2026
Obituary
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Bill’s Livestream Service will begin at 10: 45 a.m. CT on Wednesday, September 23, 2026. Scroll down to the Webcast section and click on “Watch Now.”
MADISON - William Graham “Bill” Donohue, age 93, of Madison, passed away on Wednesday, September 16, 2026, in the presence of family. He was at peace when he passed. Bill lived independently until a recent hip fracture required surgery and care with Agrace HospiceCare, and God called him to be by His side.
Bill was born on July 9, 1933, in St. Cloud, Minn., the son of Howard I. Donohue and Madelon L. (Hills) Donohue. Bill married Marjorie A. (Leisen) Donohue on September 14, 1957, at St. Augustine Catholic Church in St. Cloud. He graduated from St. John’s University in May 1955. Upon completing ROTC at St. John’s, he served in the Army Reserve from 1955 to 1963, concluding his service as a first lieutenant.
Bill worked for nearly four decades in the automotive claims division of State Farm Insurance, managing the Wisconsin region when he retired. Bill and Marjorie were avid gardeners, producing beautiful flowers and an abundance of vegetables. August was the month for canning fruits and vegetables, and they were enjoyed all year long. Bill and Marge were the original homesteaders. They enjoyed a good road trip, traveling around the U.S. exploring history, national parks, and visiting family. Bill started the jogging trend, and in 1980 you would see him jogging daily after a hard day of work. Walks and jogging continued to be a daily part of Bill’s life.
Bill was a devout Catholic and active in the Church throughout his life. For many years at St. Dennis Parish in Madison, he served as a Eucharistic minister, usher, adult education leader and Bible study leader. He helped develop a baptism preparation program for young couples at St. Dennis that included the history of baptism and provided families with spiritual tools to celebrate baptism within the home.
Bill is survived by his nine children, William A. (Kelly) Donohue of Grand Rapids, Mich., John M. (Maureen) Donohue of Maple Lake, Minn., Thomas P. (Kim) Donohue of Monroe, David R. Donohue of Grand Junction, Colo., Kathleen A. (John) Dembinski of Carver, Minn., Stephen V. (Tamra) Donohue of De Pere, Anne P. (Dennis) Bork of Cottage Grove, Brian H. (Cameron) Donohue of Minnetonka, Minn., and Paul C. (Rachel) Donohue of Cottage Grove. He is also survived by 26 loving grandchildren; 26 great-grandchildren; brothers, Michael (Diane) Donohue of Minnetonka, Minn., and Peter Donohue of St. Paul, Minn.; and siblings-in-law, Mary (Leisen) Schober of St. Cloud, Minn., John (Arlene) Leisen of St. Cloud, Minn., and Gretchen Leisen of St. Cloud, Minn. He was preceded in death by his wife of 57 years, Marjorie A. (Leisen) Donohue; his parents; brothers, Howard Donohue and Patrick Donohue; and grandson, Michael P. Donohue.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at Queen of Apostles Parish, St. Dennis Catholic Church, 505 Dempsey Road, Madison, at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, September 23, 2026. Burial will be held at Highland Memory Gardens. A visitation will be held at the church from 9 a.m. until 10:45 a.m. when a Eulogy will be given.
A special thank you to Dr. John McKenna, Polly and the staff at St. Mary’s Palliative Care, and Agrace HospiceCare for their amazing support and care of Bill.
Memorials may be made in Bill’s memory to Agrace HospiceCare.
Bill had an open heart and soul. He was always concerned about others. He loved many and was loved by many. God’s garden has gained an eternal flower. He will be deeply missed. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.
Gunderson East
Funeral & Cremation Care
5203 Monona Drive
(608) 221-5420