Rev. John G. Donahue

Rev. John G. Donahue, 88, of Somerset, WI died June 20, 2023. “Father Jack” was born on September 15, 1934, in St. Paul, MN in the depths of the Great Depression and nine months following the official end of Prohibition. Father Jack’s parents, Walter J. and Nellie (Maloney) Donahue were both raised in the Erin Prairie, WI area. Although Father Jack was born and raised and served as a Catholic priest almost exclusively in the St. Paul area, Erin Prairie and New Richmond were like his second homes.

The main passions of his life were his extended family and his priesthood. He was ordained to the priesthood February 21, 1960, at the St. Paul Cathedral. After that he served as an assistant pastor of churches in Stillwater, White Bear Lake, Osseo, and North St. Paul. From 1968-1972 he served as Director of Vocations for the Archdiocese. Then he was appointed as pastor of the Churches of St. Patrick, Cedar, MN and Maternity of Mary, St. Paul.

In the eight years after he retired, he served as an assistant pastor in Naples, FL during the winter months of each year. The other 6 months were spent serving as a retired assistant at both Catholic churches in Stillwater. From 2008 to 2021 he served these Stillwater churches for 12 months each year. He has been in retirement since 2004 living in the Somerset area.

He was preceded in death by parents Walter J. and Nellie (Maloney) Donahue.

Father Jack is survived by his sisters Barbara Redpath and Ginger Murphy, both of St. Paul. Many nephews and nieces, Katie Redpath (Greg Fassett), John (Katya) Redpath, Margaret (Adam) Krey, Molly (Tom) Rothstein, Dan (Tammy) Redpath, Michael (Katie) Murphy, Tim Redpath (Brandy Kramer), Anne (Bob) Albertson; grand and great-grand nephews and nieces, other relatives, and a host of friends.

He always had a love of animals, especially dogs and horses. But probably the most satisfying experiences were serving as the Bat Boy for the St. Paul Saints baseball team from 1944-1948 and serving as a military chaplain in the MN National Guard for 30 years. He retired at the level of Brigadier General on April 4, 1988. In 1991 he was called to active duty with the USAR serving in Desert Storm.

Viewing will be Sunday, June 25, 5-8pm and Monday, June 26, 10-11am. Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11am. All services will be held at St. Michael’s Catholic Church, Stillwater, MN. Luncheon to immediately follow. Interment will be at the family plot at Resurrection Cemetery in Mendota Heights.

Memorials preferred to Catholic Charities and Caring and Sharing Hands.