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Donald Devinney Obituary
September 25, 1936 - January 23, 2025
Donald E. Devinney, 88, of Rock Island, Ill., passed away peacefully on January 23, 2025, at UnityPoint Health, Rock Island. Born on September 25, 1936, to Roy and Helen (Allen) Devinney, Don lived a life dedicated to family, education, and community. A 1954 graduate of Rock Island High School, he then proceeded to earn both a Bachelor's and Master's degree from Northern Illinois University.
On November 28, 1958, Don married Karen (Anderson) Devinney, and together they built a life filled with love, raising their children, John, Rick, and Kathy. Don's passion for education defined his career as a teacher at Rock Island High School, where he worked until retiring in 1994. He was active in the Illinois Education Association, National Education Association, and Black Hawk Education Association.
Don's hobbies reflected his curiosity and zest for life. He enjoyed studying the stock market, collecting stamps and coins, and showcasing his 1958 Thunderbird while attending car shows. A man of faith, Don was a member of the First Evangelical Free Church and Bethany Baptist Church in Moline, Ill.
He is survived by his wife, Karen; children, John Devinney, Rick (Nancy) Devinney, and Kathy (Dan) Lents; grandchildren, Lindsay Dotterer, Andrew (Christina) Devinney, Anthony Devinney, Abby Devinney, Kelly Lents, and Samantha Lents; great-grandchildren, Alayna and Ollie; and sister-in-law, Kathy (Chuck) Ashford. He was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Eleanor, and daughter-in-law Julie.
Don will be remembered as a loving family man, a passionate educator, and a kind soul.
Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m. on Wednesday, January 29, 2025, with visitation from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Wendt Funeral Home, Moline. Interment will follow at Rock Island Memorial Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Donald E. Devinney Business Scholarship at Rock Island-Milan Education Foundation, 1400 25th Ave., Rock Island, Ill. 61201.
Condolences may be shared at wendtfuneralhome.com.
Wendt Funeral Home
1811 15th Street Pl.
Moline, IL 61265
309-764-6781
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Donald Devinney
Sponsored by Wendt Funeral Home.
1 Entry
Matt Beeson
January 26, 2025
I met Don years ago through a local investment club and the A.L. Williams company. He was a humble all around good human being. We drifted apart over the years but I never forgot him and always admired him. Our condolences to Karen and the rest of his family. He will be missed.
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