Dennis Patrick Donovan, 64, died Monday, April 22, 2024, at home in Dubuque, Iowa. To honor Dennis’s life, family and friends may visit from 1:30 p.m. until 2:15 p.m., on Sunday, April 28, 2024, at Behr Funeral Home, 1491 Main Street. There will be a sharing celebration held at 2:30 p.m. At Dennis’s request: no suits or ties.

Dennis was born January 7, 1960, in Dubuque, Iowa to Joan (Dougherty) Donovan and Gerald “Buzzy” Donovan. Dennis lived in Branson, MO for 37 years.

Dennis enjoyed arrowhead hunting, antique collecting, deer hunting with his buddies, grabbing a cup of coffee, taking care of his mother as she grew older, spotting wildlife, and making people laugh. Dennis did various kinds of work over the years, ranging from physical labor to sales, which he excelled in due to his superior bullshitting skills. He was grateful for the close friendship of Mike Mertes and Randy Adams, spending countless hours with them over the years.

More than anything, Dennis loved and was so proud of his family. He looked forward to time spent with his granddaughter, who he thought was the best granddaughter ever. His wife, Julie, was, in his words, his “major love forever.”

He is survived by his wife, Julie; his daughter, Holly Donovan (daughter-in-law Clara Altman), Washington DC; his son, Danny Donovan, Homer, AK; and granddaughter Frances Altman-Donovan. As well as his sister, Mary Kay Dencklau, Norwalk, IA; his brother, Dave (Trena) Donovan, Forsyth, MO; nieces Amy and Cindy, Forsyth, MO; and many Klein family members on his wife’s side.

He is preceded in death by his parents; a brother, Danny Donovan; and a brother-in-law, Scott Dencklau.

Dennis and his family wanted to thank the oncology staff at Mercy Hospital, especially Kelly and

Diane, as well as the caring Hospice of Dubuque staff (Kourtney you were our rock) who helped take care of him in his final days.

The family will thankfully receive your support through greeting cards which may be mailed to Behr Funeral Home, 1491 Main Street, Dubuque, Iowa 52001, Attn. Dennis Donovan Family.

Online condolences may be left for the family at www.behrfuneralhome.com