Joseph M. Donovan

Joe Donovan, age 45, passed away peacefully on Saturday afternoon, April 13, 2013 at his home, surrounded by his loving family. Joe was born in Milwaukee on October 12, 1967, son of Joseph and Sherry (Sabee) Donovan. Joe attended Appleton West High School and was a graduate of the Milwaukee School of Engineering. His entire career was spent working in his family's business, R. Sabee Company.

Joe was a loveable guy who made friends easily and had many interests. He enjoyed being outdoors hunting, fishing, skiing, taking pictures, and being with his friends. He loved music of all kinds, and also played the drums. He loved to cook and always cherished the times he was able to garden and landscape with his Grandma Sabee.

He is survived by his wife: Rhea Donovan, whom he married in 1997; two children: McKenna and Brady, both at home; a step-daughter: Abbie Reed of San Francisco; his mother: Sherry (Denny) Ahlman of Appleton; his father: Joe (Marjorie) Donovan of Kaukauna; grandmothers: Lois Sabee and Ines Donovan, both of Appleton; a sister: Maria (David) Harland of Los Angeles; a brother: Tony (Connie) Donovan of Appleton; mother-in-law: Mary Lock of Peshtigo; two brothers-in-law: Curt (Kay) Lock of Fond du Lac and Craig Lock of Tennessee; as well as nine nieces and nephews, aunts, uncles, other relatives, and many close friends. He was preceded in death by his grandfathers: Reinhardt Sabee and Anthony Donovan, MD, and his father-in-law: Howard Lock.

Joe was a very special and talented man, and will be missed by all who knew and loved him.

A memorial service for Joe will be held at 6:00 PM on Thursday, April 18, 2013 at the Wichmann Funeral Home in Appleton, with Rev. Mary Bauer officiating. The family will receive relatives and friends at the funeral home on Thursday beginning at 4:00 PM