Eleanor "Nora" Donovan

Eleanor M. “Nora” Donovan, 97, Denmark, passed away Monday, February 22, 2010 at Bornemann Nursing Home surrounded by her loving family. Nora was born August 2, 1912, in Kewaunee, WI, daughter to the late Martin and Ella (Molle) Brezinski. In 1934, she married Harvey Goulder, and he preceded her in death in 1939. She married Howard Donovan in 1942, and he preceded her in death in 1981. Nora loved spending time with her family and friends and will always be remembered for her excellent cooking. Her family always looked forward to those great holiday meals and Nora’s many stories. Nora enjoyed her many years at the Danish Villa; she had many friends there and was always helping others. She was a very kind and special person to many. She managed several businesses including: Donovan’s Bar in Sugarbush (now known as Davister’s), The Redwood Inn in Belluvue, and Donovan’s Bar in Denmark. Nora also worked at the Denmark State Bank and for Father Feller at All Saints Parish. Nora was a member of the All Saints Altar Rosary Society and the Denmark American Legion Auxiliary. She loved playing cards, listening to music, and knitting. Survivors include her son, Dick (Pat) Donovan, Denmark; daughter-in-law, Beverly Goulder, Fort Atkinson; four step-daughters, Pat Gardener, Mary List, Joan Dart, and Dorothy Disbrow; one step-son, Jim Donovan; 13 grandchildren; 29 great-grandchildren; 11 great-great grandchildren; and many step grandchildren. Nora was preceded in death by her mother and father; 2 husbands; daughter, Mary Lou Van Ess; son, Harvey Goulder; one sister, Marcella Urban; son-in-law, Dewey Van Ess; and a brother-in-law, Leo Urban. Family and friends may call Thursday, February 25, 2010 from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Knutson-Cotter Funeral Home, 536 Cty R, Denmark, where there will be a Denmark American Legion Auxiliary Service at 6:45 p.m., followed by a Parish Prayer Service at 7:00 p.m. Visitation will continue on Friday at the funeral home from 9:00 a.m. until the procession leaves for All Saints Catholic Church in Denmark. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated 10:30 a.m. Friday at church, with Fr. Ron Colombo officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. Online condolences may be expressed at www.cotterfuneralhome.com. In lieu of flowers a memorial fund will be established in Nora’s name. The family would like to express a special thank you to the staff at Bornemann Nursing Home, Unity Hospice, and Fr. Ron Colombo for your care and concern. You will forever hold a special place in our hearts.