Carol A. Donovan

Carol Ann Donovan, 83, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, May 6th, 2020, at Vernon Memorial Hospital in Viroqua, Wisconsin. Carol was born on May 28th, 1936, to Clarence (Pete) and Gladys Peterson in LaCrosse, Wisconsin. She grew up in Rockton, Wisconsin and attended school in Rockton and LaFarge with her lifelong friend Nan (Pacl) Heckart. Carol married Donnie Ray Donovan on August 8th, 1955, in Hillsboro, WI. The two had four children and traveled the country while being stationed at several Navy bases during Donnie’s 20+ year career in the U.S. Navy. Her resiliency was tested several times over the years; losing a leg to cancer at the age of 30 and her husband to a heart attack at the age of 38. She always found a way to persevere and grew stronger with each obstacle life presented. Carol was incredibly proud of her family and enjoyed holidays and family get togethers with them, especially time spent at the cabin on Bear Creek just outside of LaFarge. She and Steve could often be found sitting on the porch enjoying each other’s company and the view of the water. She was often seen around La Farge in her motorized wheelchair and loved to stop and chat with everyone she encountered. She often ventured over to watch the youth baseball games at the school. She also enjoyed keeping up with everyone on Facebook, reading, and playing cards with friends. She lived most recently for 15 years at Bethel Parkside, which was a huge blessing in her life. A special thank you to both staff and residents there; especially Bev Campbell who was such a supportive friend. Thanks also to all the wonderful staff at the LaFarge Clinic and all the LaFarge Ambulance crews who always treated her with kindness during all her trips to the hospital. You all had a big part in allowing her to live independently in LaFarge for many more years than would otherwise have been possible. She loved the people of LaFarge and was always proud of her hometown. Carol is survived by her children: Shawn Donovan, Barry (Beth) Donovan, and Mike Donovan; her daughter-in-law, Gail Donovan; her grandchildren: Michelle, Chris, Cole and Brett, Brock (Colleen), Ross (Kelsey), and Jake (Emily) Donovan; her great-grandchildren: Amber, Joey, and Graham Donovan. She was looking forward to meeting future great-grandchild (Tate) due in June. She is also survived by her Janesville family: brother-in-law Mick Jensen and his family, Karla (Chuck Keller), Olen (Karen) Jensen, Terry (Karmen) Jensen, and Jill Jensen; along with their children and their families. She was proceeded in death by her husband, Donnie; her son Steve; her parents, Pete and Gladys; her in laws, Lena and Benny Burkart; and her sister-in-law and best friend, Toots Jensen. Due to Covid19 restrictions, plans for a graveside burial service and celebration of life for Carol are pending and will be announced at a later date. Online Condolences may be expressed at www.vossfh.com. In lieu of flowers, donations can be sent to the La Farge Ambulance Service. Vosseteig Funeral Home in La Farge is serving the family.