Regun Donahue

Regun Edward Donahue, 17, of Duluth, Minnesota, passed away peacefully on February 24th after a more than courageous battle with cancer. Regun came into the lives of Shelly and Brent in 2016, while he was in Northwoods Childrens Home and visiting the dental office where Shelly worked. Shortly thereafter, Shelly and Brent began visiting Regun and eventually became licensed foster parents and welcomed Regun into their home, eventually adopting Regun as their son.
Regun attended school in Proctor and made many friends. Growing up just outside of Duluth, Regun enjoyed fishing around Pike Lake, getting permission from several property owners to fish off their docks. He enjoyed going hunting with his dad and making trips into the Boundary Waters Canoe Area. Regun visited 11 different lakes within the BWCA and this is where he started his interest in photography. Shelly and Regun would hike the surrounding trail systems, photograph the area, and in tough times, throw "worry rocks" to get rid of the bad times. Regun had an infectious smile and a wild sense of humor. Regun often turned to humor to steer away from the tough times, always caring for those around him before himself.
In 2023, Regun was diagnosed with osteoscarcoma, a rare bone cancer, followed by the amputation of his left leg. He took the news like a true champion. Regun tackled this new challenge with humor and hard work. He had a variety of shirts poking fun at himself, such as, "I left my leg at your mom's house" and "Before you ask, it was a shark". If you opened the door, Regun might throw in a "That's what she said". One of his doctors described Regun as a "Magnet", because people wanted to be around him. Regun was recognized by his teachers and classmates at Proctor High School for his "Grit" due to his perseverance, resilience, and determination to overcome everything that has come his way.
Regun had dreams of joining the United States Marine Corps and to become a Deputy Sheriff. On February 4th, 2026, Regun was recognized as an Honorary Marine by the Commandant of the Marine Corps, General Eric M. Smith. Shortly after the ceremony by the Marine Corps, Regun received a very memorable call from Vice President JD Vance. On February 11th, 2026, Regun was appointed as a Deputy Sheriff by Sheriff Gordon Ramsay, sharing his father's badge number. Regun was flooded with challenge coins from military and law enforcement members from all over the country.
Regun was preceded in death by his grandfather, Skip Donahue, uncle Paul Donahue, and dear friend Angie Vigen.
Regun is survived by his parents, Brent and Shelly Donahue. Siblings Kahley and Remington Hubbard, Nick (Carly) Cosgriff, Madison Cosgriff (Tim Agne), Alex Donahue, and Cole Donahue. Grandmother Laurie Donahue. Nephews and niece Callahan, Colette, and Cohen Cosgriff. Along with many aunts, uncles, and cousins.
A special thank you to all the wonderful staff at Essentia Health, Mayo Hospital, Northwoods Children's Services, Nexus-Gerard Family Healing, the Protez Foundation, and the Solvay Hospice House who took such good care of Regun during his final days.
A Memorial Service is scheduled for Friday, March 6th at Peace in Christ Lutheran Church, 5007 Maple Grove Road, Hermantown, MN. 55811. Visitation starts at 10:00, Service at 11:00, followed by a reception at 12:00.
In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to the Northern Lights Foundation in Regun's name. http:// www.northernlightsfoundation.org