Timothy Edward Donovan

Timothy Edward Donovan, 84, of Hermantown, MN, passed away peacefully with wife, Carolyn holding his hand, Thursday, June 18, 2026 in the Franciscan Health Center. Tim was born in St Paul, MN on July 11, 1941 to Howard and Irene (Jarosch) Donovan. Tim graduated from Mechanic Arts High School in St. Paul and earned a degree in Forest Resource Management from the University of Minnesota. Following graduation, Tim enrolled in (OCS) Officer Candidate School in New Port, RI and was an officer in the Navy during the Vietnam War. Discharged in May 1968, he married Carolyn Collins on June 8, 1968 in Minneapolis. During his career in forestry, he was stationed in Northome, MN, Park Rapids, MN and Hill City, MN in a career spanning 37 years. Tim enjoyed camping, hiking, canoeing, cross country skiing and snowshoeing. He was passionate about woodworking and he would tell everyone he knew how much he adored Carolyn and what a special wife he had. In his retirement, Tim was active in Knights of Columbus, Scouts of America and especially loved distributing communion to homebound parishioners. He was preceded in death by his parents; a brother, Patrick and a son, Terrence.

Tim is survived by his wife, Carolyn; sons, Brian Donovan of Minneapolis, MN Thomas Donovan of Grand Rapids, MN and Bryce Donovan of Duluth, MN; a daughter, Susan Anderson (Melanie Spencer) of Duluth, MN; a brother, William (Marie Cosgrove) Donovan of Hugo, MN; three sisters, Kathleen Donovan of St. Paul, MN, Mary Jane (Michael) Duffy of Roberts, WI and Janet (Paul) Donovan Moran; four grandchildren, Faith Donovan, Samuel Anderson, Aiden Anderson and Logan Anderson. Tim was a man of deep faith who loved his family. He was an eternal optimist who loved to laugh and tell “dad” jokes. His favorite moments in life were when everyone in the room was laughing.

In lieu of flowers, plant a tree in Tim’s memory. Memorials can also be sent to Wounded Warrior Project, National Alliance on Mental Illness or Catholic Relief Services.

Visitation 10 am until the 11 am Mass of Christian Burial Thursday, June 25, 2026 at St. James Catholic Church. Rev Fr Richard Kunst officiating. Burial in the Minnesota Veteran’s Cemetery-Saginaw, MN. Arrangements by Williams Lobermeier Boettcher Funeral Home.