After a life of love and quiet grace, William Donlan, 80, has passed.
What remains is memory — and the gratitude of those he loved.
The story begins in 1941, with the arrival of a life that would be cherished by many.
William held deeply to the Lutheran faith — and was, by all accounts, loved by those who knew him best.
Some find their compass in faith. William was among them.
William "Bill" Donlan, Jr., 80 of Marion, passed away on February 9, 2022 at the Western Arizona Regional Hospital in Bullhead City, AZ. A Celebration of Life will be held at 11:00 AM Saturday, May 14, 2022 at the Emmanuel Presbyterian Church, Marion. The family will meet at 2:00 PM at Thunder Valley Dragways for one last ride. Arrangements by Hofmeister-Jones Funeral Home. William Edward Donlan, Jr was born August 16th 1941 in Sioux Falls to William, Sr. and Myrtle (Yates) Donlan. He was the oldest of 4 children, followed by Dawn, Dick, and Shelly. He graduated from Marion High School in 1959 as the Class President. He enjoyed camping, fishing, and spending time with his family. Janet and Bill were married on March 16th, 1963 at Augustana Lutheran Church in Sioux Falls. To this union two children were born, Sparky and Penni. They enjoyed racing out at Thunder Valley Dragways. Some would say that Janet was the faster driver than Bill. They wintered in Arizona and spent many times going to races in Las Vegas and Denver. They enjoyed watching football. Janet cheered for the Raiders and the Cardinals, Bill cheered for the Bears. Janet passed away on November 17, 2021 and Bill passed away on February 9, 2022 at the Western Arizona Regional Hospital. Sparky passed away on May 4, 2022 at home surrounded by his family. Grateful for having shared their life is their son Sparky Donlan of Sioux Falls and daughter Penni (Rick) Scholl of New London, Minnesota; Sparky's children Wyatt (significant other Breeze) Donlan of Brandon, and Shelby Donlan of Brandon, Penni's children Ricky (Jenny) of Burtum, MN, and Kristine (Justin) Becker of New Ulm, MN; and great-grandson Hunter Carlson; Janet's brother Terry Anderson; Bill's siblings Dick (Jackie) Donlan and Dawn Donlan; special friends Theresa Walters and Harvey Marshall III and a host of nieces, nephews, and friends. They were preceded in death Janet's parents, Bill's parents, Janet's infant sister Yvonne, Bill's sister Shelly Donlan and sister Donna as an infant.
