Ilis Virginia Donovan

Ilis Virginia Donovan, age 95 of Waupun, entered eternal life on Saturday, October 7, 2017, at Christian Home and Rehabilitation in Waupun.

Ilis was born on August 1, 1922 in Sauk County, Wonewoc, WI, the daughter of William and Ada (Atkinson) Thoenes. On August 7, 1946, she was united in marriage to Robert Donovan at St. Joseph’s Parsonage in Waupun. Ilis enjoyed bowling and was an avid Brewer and Green Bay Packer fan. In 1990, she was chosen as “Mother of the year” presented by Waupun Chamber of Commerce. Ilis dedicated her life to her family; a devoted wife, loving mother and grandmother. Ilis and her husband owned and operated Donovan’s Mobile Service for 32 years, Waupun City Cab for a number of years and worked at the Christian Home as a nurse’s aid. She was a member of the American Legion Auxiliary Unit #210 of Waupun and past member VFW Auxiliary. Ilis was a member of Pella Lutheran Church and ladies aid committee.

Ilis is survived by her five children, Sandra Donovan of St. Paul, MN; Kathleen (Terry) Decker, William (Donna) Donovan; Thomas (Laurel) Donovan and Daniel Donovan all of Waupun; 14 grandchildren; Jason (Larissa) Decker, Jessica Boettcher, Jon (Brittany) Decker, Jillian (Allen Milani) Decker, Joseph, Matthew and Kristi Donovan, Lindsey Donovan, Michael (Alli) Donovan, Makensey (Joe) Baumgardt, Daniel (Michelle) Donovan, Josh (Melissa) Donovan, Tommy Donovan, Diana Donovan; 15 great grandchildren, Kyle, Kaylee, Koleton, Kaitlynn, Riley, Chelsea, Danielle, Jaxson, Sovia, Jayden, Austin, Taylor, Brayden, Jordan and Rayden; one sister, Barbara Pluim; nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

She was preceded in death by her husband, four great grandchildren in infancy, Michelle, Christopher, Jared and Cavin; sisters, Audrey Lamers and Betty Hale; one brother; William Thoenes.

Visitation will be held from 10:00 A.M. until 11:00 A.M. on Monday, October 9, 2017, at Pella Lutheran Church, 315 S. Madison Street, Waupun.

A funeral service for Ilis will be held at 11:00 A.M. on Monday, October 9, 2017, at Pella Lutheran Church with Rev. David Knuth officiating. Burial will follow at Calvary Cemetery.

A memorial fund has been established in Ilis’ name.