Gerald Michael "Buck" Donovan

Gerald Michael "Buck" Donovan, 83, passed away July 16, 2019 in Casa Grande, AZ. He was born November 17, 1935 to Dennis and Gertrude (Vandersnick) Donovan in Garretson, SD. He grew up on the family farm west of Garretson and attended Bothun School. He farmed with his Dad until he began working for Blue Construction in Sioux Falls followed by employment with Karlin Services.

A farmer at heart, he went back to farming with his Dad until the fall of 1985, when he moved to Arizona City, AZ. There he was a groundskeeper for a local golf course until retiring in May 2008.

Buck was an avid Notre Dame and Green Bay Packers fan and enjoyed reading, fishing and visiting with friends and relatives. He will be remembered by his nieces and nephews as the uncle who either spoiled them with treats from Midway and Baltic Corner or for teaching them how to milk cows or drive.

Known as the man with the big heart a close friend once said of him, "If Buck had a dollar, then you had a dollar." The following poem was written for him when he retired:

Whenever a project needs done

There was Buck standing by.

With tools in hand and working

Never asking why.

What's this? You're leaving? Whoever will take your place?

There just isn't another Buck around

In the whole darn human race.

Buck will be lovingly remembered by his children; Andrew Donovan(Carmen), Marcia Rederth (Ted), Susan Gerry (Jeff) and Michael James; Grandchildren- Taylor Donovan, Alex Gerry, Marcus Anderson, Jacob James and Julyus James; Great grandchildren- Bayleigh Gerry, Piper Gerry, Avery James and Juleaha James; Siblings-Larry Donovan, Mary Engebretson, Joe Donovan, and Kitty Donovan and a host of nieces and nephews.

Preceeded in death by his daughter Ginger, his parents Dennis and Gertrude Donovan, brother Jack and sisters Lois Petersen and Pat Heil.

He will be interred next to his daughter at St. Michael's Cemetery in Sioux Falls, SD.