Add a Memory
Send Flowers
Make a Donation
Gerald Michael Donahue
Gerald Michael Donahue
Obituary
Guest Book
Gerald Donahue Obituary
Died: April 30, 2008; in Woodstock
WOODSTOCK - Gerald Michael Donahue, 85, of Woodstock, died Wednesday, April 30, 2008, at his home, surrounded by his family.
He was born Sept. 3, 1922, in New Albin, Iowa, to Michael and Mary (Hill) Donahue He married Geraldine Dwyer.
He was the owner and operator of the Donahue Furniture Store in Woodstock, which he opened in 1950. He was very active in the community. He was president of Easter Seals, a Fourth Degree Knights of Columbus, and chairman of the board of Rolling Meadows Bank and Plum Grove Bank.
He enlisted in the U.S. Army Air Corps in 1940 and served for three years. He was in the 13th Air Force as a tail gunner on a B-25 and flew 54 missions throughout the South Pacific in his plane, called the Miss Frontier. His medals included four Bronze Stars, a Ruptured Duck and a Screaming Eagle. When discharged in 1943, he was a three-star corporal.
He is survived by his wife, Geraldine Donahue of Woodstock; seven children, Gerald (Rose) Donahue Jr. of Hood River, Ore., John (Denise) Donahue of Woodstock, Sarah (Edward) Schaefer of PlumTree Estates, Mariella (Don) Kleinschmidt of Woodstock, Lynn (Phil) Stewart of Woodstock, James Donahue of Minnesota and David (Rhonda) Donahue of Woodstock; his grandchildren, Ivan Donahue, Brendan Donahue, Lauren (Brogan) Houtz, Sean (Johanna) Donahue, Mollie (Tom) Stark, Brian Donahue, Katie Schaefer, Jenny Schaefer, Amy Sue Schaefer, Ryan (Jenny) Kleinschmidt, Heidi Kleinschmidt, Julie Kleinschmidt, Kelly Strohm, Jacqueline Strohm, Jeff (Natalie) Stewart, Kerri (Rob) Johnson, Scott (Bonnie) Donahue, Patrick Donahue and Megan Donahue; his great-grandchildren, Finnegan, Connor, Abigail, Claire, William, Nathan, Olivia, Grace, Michael, Emm and Collin; a sister, Marian Lager; and many nieces, nephews and good friends.
He was preceded in death by two brothers, Ivan Donahue and James Donahue, and a sister, Eileen Bimrose.
A gathering of friends and relatives will be from 9 a.m. until the memorial Mass is celebrated at 11 a.m. Tuesday, May 6, at St. Mary Catholic Church, 312 Lincoln Ave., Woodstock. The Rev. Robert Jones will officiate.
Interment will be private in Calvary Cemetery in Woodstock.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. Mary Catholic Church.
For information, call Schneider-Leucht-Merwin & Cooney Funeral Home in Woodstock at 815-338-1710.
Sign the guest book at www. NWHerald.com/obits
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Mrs. Norman Dechant
May 12, 2008
Dear David and all of the Donahue Families My Prayers are with you and your families during this time of the loss of your Father, Grandfather and Friend.
Gary Visteen
May 9, 2008
Our deepest sympathies to the Donahue family. Jerry was always such a pleasure to be with; our lunches together, talking about our mutual furniture friends, then visiting his friends on the Square, then stopping by the house so I could take tomatoes home. He had that great quality; empathy. He truly cared about others and their individual situations whether it be a business, personal, or a family crisis. He was a great listener. He is missed, but will be remembered and spoken about fondly by his furniture representative friends. Jerry wasn't a customer, he was a friend.
Gary & Susan Visteen
The Buckley Family
May 6, 2008
Jerry, Mr. Donahue, was a very gently, generous and a kind man. It was always a pleasure to see him. The community has lost a very important component. With heartfelt prayers to the family for their loss.
Ila & Paul Levin
May 6, 2008
Mr. Donahue always had a twinkle in his eyes. Acts of kindness, words of wisdom were always generous with him. Mr. Donahue, you will be a part of our hearts and thoughts with happy memories.
Our condolences and prayers are with your loved ones.
How you can show support
Send flowers
Consider sending flowers.
Add photos
Share their life with photo memories.
Plant trees
Honor them by planting trees in their memory.
Follow this page
Get email updates whenever changes are made.
Donate in Memory
Make a donation in memory of your loved one.
Share this page
Invite other friends and family to visit the page.
Scott Donahue
May 5, 2008
To My Beloved Grandfather,
You where always an inspiration to me, and to many others. Your unwavering courage, unsurpassed generosity, and unmatched kindness is something to strive for. You will truly be missed.
Love,
Scott, Bonnie, Grace, and Michael Donahue
Susan Mansfield-Gusinde
May 5, 2008
To The Donahue Family.
Our sincere sympathy to all of you.
My family and I thought the world of your father. From the early 50's when my dad and Gerry delivered furniture; to my high school years and thru all the years when Gerry served on the bank board, he was always the consummate gentleman and all around great guy. Whenever I think of him, I smile. He was one of those people who had an extraordinary gift for bringing joy and laughter to everyone he met. He will be missed. You're in our thoughts and prayers. The Mansfields
Richard & Adele Petersen
May 5, 2008
To The Donahue Family:
It is always a privilege in this life to meet someone like Mr. Donahue, who always had a pleasant word and a good sense of humor. May God comfort all of you in your loss.
Sincerely,
Nancy McCoy
May 4, 2008
To the Donahue Family,
We were so sorry to hear of Jerry's passing! He was an original true Gentle-man. Well respected in all his circles and a great friend of my fathers. He will be greatly missed by everyone who knew him and there will be a big void in our community. I'd like to think that our dads are now enjoying their morning cup of coffee together again!
Karen Wells
May 2, 2008
We were sad to hear of Jerry's passing. Our families have been friends for over 50 years. What wonderful memories we all have of Jerry and Dad(John Eggum) singing all night long!!!! I hope they are doing so right now. All of our love to the family, Karen Eggum Wells
Jim & Dottie Corbin
May 2, 2008
What a pleasant and gentle man. We offer our condolences to the Donahue family.
Carol Hrncar
May 2, 2008
Mr.D will truly be missed.His great sense of humor and the great gatherings he had. I was glad to be apart of some of them. Always had a good time.I saw him a couple weeks ago and rubbed lotion on his legs and he really enjoyed it! My thoughts and prayers go out to the entire family. Love carol hrncar
Tip Hamilton Hale
May 2, 2008
Jerry has always been a gentleman and a friend. Although I only saw him scattered times over the years, he always had a smile and kind word. I will miss one of the true gentlemen of Woodstock.
Patti Hartwig-Kay
May 2, 2008
Jerry was always so friendly and expressed warm welcomes when you met him. He was an extremely nice person and I will miss him. Heaven will certainly benefit his arrival. My deepest sympathies to the family. Rest assured you had a wonderful man in your life.
Joe Copley and Jim Hamick
May 2, 2008
We so enjoyed shopping at Donahue's and Gerry's sense of humor. His style and grace helped make our house a home.
God Bless and comfort each one of you as you gather to celebrate the life of a good man.
Mike Andrews
May 1, 2008
I have great memories of Gerry over the years and really did enjoy my time spent with him. He had a great Irish humor and he always had time for me when I made it through town. I am thinking of the family and wish them comfort and peace.
Showing 1 - 15 of 15 results
1211 North Seminary Avenue, Woodstock, IL 60098
Make a Donation
in Gerald Donahue's name
How to support Gerald's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor Gerald Donahue's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
