Ralph 'Bud' Donovan

RALPH "BUD" LEO DONOVAN

Solon

Bud Donovan, 88, died peacefully at his home in Solon on Sunday, May 14, 2017, following an extended illness. Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. Thursday, May 18, at Lensing Funeral & Cremation Service, Iowa City. Burial with military honors will be at the Morse Cemetery. Visitation will be from 4 to 7 p.m. Wednesday at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund has been established.

Bud was born Aug. 26, 1928, at Elmira, Graham Township, in rural Johnson County, Iowa, the son of Roain Elizabeth (Foraker) Donovan and Edward Leo Donovan.

Bud was a graduate of University High School, where he was a standout athlete and, in his words, "is best known for having once kicked a football so far that it is yet to be found." After high school, Bud attended the University of Iowa until he served as an army medic in the Korean War. During this time, he also married his wife of 47 years, Charlotte Ruth Marshall, on July 14, 1951, in San Antonio. Bud was a farmer in Johnson County for many years and worked at the Veterans Hospital for 30 years as a nursing assistant.

Bud was a prolific and entertaining storyteller with a great sense of humor. He was never afraid to speak his mind and gave wise counsel to many throughout his life. He was also known to family and friends as an avid reader, sports enthusiast, fisherman and mushroom hunter. He enjoyed eating at Gwen's Restaurant in Lisbon, an occasional visit to the casino and spending time with his special friend, Jan Gevock. He was a member of the Coralville American Legion.

Bud's family included his seven children, Ed, Beth Erenberger (Bernie), Mike (Corliss), John (fiancee Joy Burr), Jim (Lisa), Laura Ali (Sajjad) and Joe (Carmen); 17 grandchildren, Jared Donovan, MaKenzie Donovan, Mallory Wonick, Tyler Donovan, Michele Haege, Amber Jedlicka, Gil Donovan, Clint Donovan, Bailey Donovan, Brady Donovan, Riley Donovan, Owen Donovan, Amy Donovan, Heather Donovan, Tony Donovan, Bryan Petrie and Elizabeth Petrie; and 10 great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Charlotte Ruth Donovan; and two sisters, Ruth Rhoads and Gertrude Brown.

Bud's family would like to express sincere gratitude to the many other family and friends who have offered their support during Ralph's illness to include Kevin Anderson, Gwen's Restaurant in Lisbon, Dr. Watkins and Mercy Hospital ICU for their exemplary support and care.

Online condolences may be sent to www.lensingfuneral.com.