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William J. Donoghue

1947 - 2025

William J. Donoghue obituary, 1947-2025, Madison, WI

BORN

1947

DIED

2025

FUNERAL HOME

Cress Funeral & Cremation Service - Madison East

3325 E Washington Ave

Madison, Wisconsin

William Donoghue Obituary

William J Donoghue

July 7, 1947 - May 29, 2025

William "Bill" Johnson Donoghue, of Madison, left this life for his next big adventure on Thursday, May 29, 2025. He was 77 years old.

Bill was a lover of golf, music (especially his guitar and the Rolling Stones), chess, books, and of course his family and friends. He was born in Evanston, IL, and raised as a Cubs fan, but attended UW-Madison and settled here. He then achieved enlightenment and embraced his beloved Badgers, Brewers, and Packers.

As they say, Bill lived well, laughed often, and loved much, and looked for the best in others and gave the best that he had. He did it all with abundant humility.

But rather than quote Stevenson to you, Bill would rather leave you with the words of his favorite author, Frank Herbert: "There is no ending. It's just the place where you stop the story."

We will carry him with us and continue his story, and miss him always.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Madison.com on Aug. 10, 2025.

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4 Entries

Ralph Kamps

August 12, 2025

Was a pleasure working with you in those formative years Bill. We had our laughs,both forming our families and slugging it out in Commercial Real Estate....will miss you Big Guy but the good memories will always remain.

Bobby Kilgo

August 10, 2025

Bill was my older cousin that I looked up too. As adults, I did I not see him, but never forgot him. Patrick and Sarah I know he loved you and was proud of you. Love, Cousin Bobby.

Connie

August 10, 2025

He was sensitive, compassionate and oh so sweet a man. He made me smile with the glimmer in his eyes. I´m grateful for his presence in my life.

Linda

August 10, 2025

Rest in peace, you very fine gentleman and human. We are all better people because of the gift of your love. Thank you for your humanity, intelligence, laughter, jokes, love and insight. Well done, Bill. We were blessed to know you.

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Funeral services provided by:

Cress Funeral & Cremation Service - Madison East

3325 E Washington Ave, Madison, WI 53704

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