Robert E. Donahue

1934 - 2016

Donahue, Robert E.

Robert E. Donahue, age 81, of Wisconsin Rapids, passed away Monday, February 1, 2016 in Orange City, Florida.

Services will be at 11:00 A.M. on Tuesday, February 9, 2016 at SS Peter and Paul Catholic Church in Wisconsin Rapids. Rev. James Altman will officiate. Visitation will be from 4:00 P.M. to 8:00 P.M. on Monday, February 8, at Herman-Taylor Funeral Home, 2201 Chestnut Street, Wisconsin Rapids and from 10:00 A.M. until the time of services on Tuesday at the church. Online condolences may be expressed at www.taylorfuneralhome.net.

Robert Edmund Donahue was born June 2, 1934 in the Wood County town of Sigel to Cecil L. and Marie (Page) Donahue. He graduated from Lincoln High School in Wisconsin Rapids in 1952. On June 4, 1955, Bob was united in marriage to Alice Fricke at St. Lawrence Catholic Church in Wisconsin Rapids. There union would remain strong for 60 years and was blessed with the birth of three sons: Terry, Bobby and Troy.

Being raised on a farm in the 1930's was not easy, but he flourished there, somehow finding time to enjoy and work on motorcycles, scooters, cars and more. In his teenage years he even built a roadster with the help of his brother Buz and his friends.

Upon graduating from high school, Bob got a job at Consolidated Papers. He also joined the National Guard at this time and served for 6 years. After leaving Consolidated Papers, Bob started working at CW Transport where he first worked as a mechanic, then becoming a truck driver for many years. While working at CW Transport, he also worked part-time at Dana Machine Shop and Bring's Cycle.

In 1966, Bob and Alice took a risk to follow their dream of owning a motorcycle shop and Bob's Yamaha City was started. Fifty years later, that small shop has evolved into what is now Donahue Super Sports, still in Wisconsin Rapids.

In addition to operating a successful business, Bob had many involvements and accomplishments. He was one of the first founders of the Rapids Angels Motorcycle Club and an early member of the Kellner Knights Snowmobile Club which he actively participated in up to the time of his death. During his lifetime, he was enthralled with all forms of racing and became the state hill climbing motorcycle champion in 1961 and again in 1964. He also raced motorcycle scrambles and drag raced motorcycles and did oval and cross-country snowmobile racing.

One of his proudest accomplishments was traveling to Washington, D.C. to testify on a potential federal motorcycle helmet bill. He also went to Madison to convince the State of Wisconsin to start a motorcycle safety training program. During this time he continued to work hard at his business and was able to see it grow into a well-know, well-respected and award-winning dealership.

Bob was an inventor and a mentor to so many. He was a wonderful husband, dad, father-in-law, grandpa and friend to whomever he met. He enjoyed a lifetime of learning, teaching, traveling, spending time with his family and friends, and attending races of all types including motorcycles, snowmobiles and NASCAR. He also enjoyed hunting and fishing and spending time with his customers.

He will be remembered for his intelligence, warm smile, and his ability to make anyone around him feel like family. He will be deeply missed by so many.

Bob is survived by his loving wife, Alice; three sons: Terry Donahue (Pam Crotteau), Bobby (Jill) Donahue and Troy (Peggy) Donahue; and four grandchildren: Cassidy and Daniel Donahue and Paige and Sadie Donahue all of Wisconsin Rapids; one brother, LeRoy "Buz" (Helen) Donahue of Wisconsin Rapids; three sisters: Patricia Ruch of Northglenn, Colorado, Janet (Carl) Hulbert of Hartford, Wisconsin, and Judith Kay of Wisconsin Rapids; sister-in-law, Bernadine Ladick of Wisconsin Rapids; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; step-mother, Alvina Goodness-Donahue; sister, Donna Odland; and brothers-in-law: Robert Ruch and Robert Ladick.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be designated to SS Peter and Paul Catholic Church or to a charity of your choice.