David J. Donahue

David J. Donahue, 66, of Sioux Falls, passed away on Friday, November 9, 2018 at the Golden Living Center in Arlington, SD. His Mass of Christian Burial will begin at 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, November 13, 2018 in St. Mary Catholic Church, Dell Rapids. Visitation with the family present will be from 5:00 - 7:00 p.m.on Monday, November 12, 2018 in the church with the Christian Wake beginning at 7:00 p.m.

David Joseph Donahue was born on May 10, 1952 in Dell Rapids, SD, the third child of Fifteen to Francis and Mary Ann (Thompson) Donahue. He grew up on a farm near Baltic, attended St. Mary's primary school, and graduated from St. Mary's High School in Dell Rapids. His decision to attend the Lake Area Vo-tech in Watertown was a good choice as the skills he learned there became a big part of his life's work as a licensed plumber and owner of several properties around the Sioux Falls area. He married Jane Gadbois in 1976 and had two children, Paul and Amy. They later divorced. David continued to manage his properties and his plumbing throughout the Sioux Falls area and surrounding towns. His business was prosperous and continued to grow.   David was a jack of all trades including construction and real estate, even moving houses to a different location. Later in life Dave met and  married Gail Wiese.  In March of 2009 he had an electrical accident while working on one of his rental properties. He became a resident of the Good Living Center in Arlington, SD where he remained until his death.

David  was a very social person and could be found having coffee at Hy-Vee every weekday at 4:00 p.m. With his flashing blue eyes, and Irish temperament it was always lively conversation. He was a go-getter with relentless energy, and had a unique creative problem solving style with a big generous heart. He had a soft spot for, and reached out to less fortunate people. We will all miss his beautiful smile and shocking blue eyes. 

He was preceded in death by his father, brothers, Jimmy and Jerry and his sisters, Patty and Joan.

He is survived by his mother, Mary Ann Burns of Dell Rapids; his son, Paul of Sioux Falls and his daughter, Amy (Gary) Steffen of Elkhorn, NE; grandchildren, Lily and Miles; his siblings Mary (Jim) Harmon of Pierre, Judy (Dirk) Pearson of Hendricks, MN, Richard of Cathedral City CA, Bob of Dell Rapids, Betty (Gary) Weber of Chester, Kathy (Jim) Goodale of Chester, Theresa (Monte) Burggraff of Crooks, Dorothy (James) of Larchwood, IA, Mike (Sandy) of Sioux Falls, John (Shelly) of Sioux Falls and his extended family and friends.
 

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