Obituaries

Clay Andrew Donohoe

January 26, 1972 - March 14, 2023

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Obituary For Clay Andrew Donohoe

Verona - Clay Andrew Donohoe, age 51, passed away, after a year long battle with cancer, with his beloved family by his side on March 14, 2023 at Agrace Hospice in Fitchburg, WI. He was born January 26, 1972 to parents, Robert and Bobbie Jo (Leggins) Donohoe in Iowa City, IA. Clay was a 1990 graduate of West Branch High School in West Branch, IA, where he gained an entire class of loyal, inclusive, lifelong best friends. From an early age and throughout his life, he was dedicated to his friendships.

Clay was a Journeyman Plumber, most recently working for Sheldon Plumbing in Verona. He was a hard worker and never let anything hold him back. He became skilled and very detailed in various types of handy work. He enjoyed deer hunting, trapping, camping, and craft beer tasting with his many friends and neighbors who all became part of Clay’s family. Clay was truly one-of- a-kind and a friend to all who came into his world.

Clay married Jennifer “Jenni” Schwarz on October 8, 2011. Above all, he cherished spending time with Jenni and their two sons, Logan and Dylan; in Clay's words “the best things to ever happen to him”. They loved traveling together to their “home away from home” - their camper at Jellystone. Clay shared his love of music, super-heroes, and movies with his sons.

Clay will be remembered always for his sense of humor and witty one liners. As well as one of the nicest guys, who never met a stranger, and would drop everything to help others. He was the greatest uncle who would do anything for his nieces and nephews.

Clay is survived by his wife, Jenni Donohoe; and their two sons, Logan (age 10) and Dylan (age 8), all of Verona, WI; father, Robert “Bob” Donohoe of West Branch, IA; sister, Rená (Jason) Spengler of Solon, IA; parents-in-law, Dan and Deb Schwarz; sister-in-law, Melissa (Michael) Wertz, all of Richland Center, WI; nieces and nephews, Nate and Emma Spengler, Adelyn, Cameron, and Ellie Wertz; as well as numerous aunts, uncles and cousins. He is further survived by his West Branch crew, and his Sleddin Keggers neighborhood, among many other loving family and friends.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Bobbie Jo Donohoe; and grandparents, Francis and Neva Donohoe, and Ken and Maxine Leggins.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to Agrace Hospice, St. Maria Goretti school and church community, and to the many family and friends that contributed to the GoFundMe, and provided meals and continuous support.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions will be dedicated to a college fund for his two sons, Logan and Dylan.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 a.m., Thursday, March 23, 2023 at St. Maria Goretti Catholic Church, 5313 Flad Ave., Madison, WI, with Fr. Scott Emerson presiding. A visitation will take place from 4-7 p.m., Wednesday, at Ryan Funeral Home, 220 Enterprise Dr., Verona, WI, as well as one hour prior to the Mass, from 10-11:00 a.m. Thursday at the church. At a later date, a celebration of life will take place in West Branch, Iowa. To view and sign this guestbook, please visit: www.ryanfuneralservice.com

Ryan Funeral Home & Cremation Services Verona Chapel 220 Enterprise Drive 608-845-6625

Services

22 Mar

Visitation

04:00 PM - 07:00 PM

Ryan Funeral Homes – Verona 220 S. Enterprise Drive Verona, WI 53593 Get Directions »
23 Mar

Visitation

10:00 AM - 11:00 AM

St. Maria Goretti Catholic Church 5313 Flad Avenue Madison, WI 53711 Get Directions »
23 Mar

Mass of Christian Burial

11:00 AM

St. Maria Goretti Catholic Church 5313 Flad Avenue Madison, WI 53711 Get Directions »
by Obituary Assistant

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Condolences

  • March 28, 2023

    For all the ways Clay's kindness provided your family with love & support and branched out to others, our deepest condolences to you. Parr & Huang Family of Forest View

  • March 22, 2023

    Jenni and Family, We are so sorry for your loss, Clay was an awesome guy. Paul has many good memories of Clay, but one funny story was when he was bartending in Verona and we were eating dinner. Clay told the other bartender to bring us a beer on him but bartender brought it to the wrong table! Clay was trying to get Paul to try one of their craft beers! Our love and prayers are with you, Paul and Mary Jo Schlimgen

  • March 21, 2023

    Clay was such a nice guy. So very sorry for your loss. He will be missed by so many. Sending prayers for comfort and peace during this difficult time. Kari Hahn & family

  • March 18, 2023

    Our deepest sympathy goes to the family of Clay, especially to his dear father and the Donohoe clan. Bob, We hope the fond memories of your son ,brings peace to your heart. So sorry for your loss, Polly(Lynch) and Mark Bornstein

  • March 18, 2023

    Gary and I wish to send our deepest sympathy to Bob and the entire Donohoe clan. We are keeping you in our thoughts and prayers at this sad time. Hugs, Gary & Mary Kay Hamilton

  • March 18, 2023

    Clay will always be remembered. I would come home from work and he would be on our roof cleaning out our gutters, or he would be mounting a rooster figurine or fixing our sink with a note from him on the box saying "keep this, we may need this later for parts". But what really set this handyman, loving father, husband, brother, son, friend apart was his sense of humor. He had an infectious laugh and a quick wit that could brighten up even the gloomiest of days. We love you Clay. Love Tim, Tracey, Jaime, and Jojo Rosenfeld. I hope you have a beer with my Dad in heaven.

  • March 17, 2023

    Donohoe family, Deepest sympathy for the loss of this kind, smart, life loving husband and dad. I knew Clay from being his elementary teachers aid. Also from West Branch watched him through the years. Cherish all your many memories. Deborah Hoffey Chalupa

  • March 17, 2023

    You will never be forgotten. Love you and your family. Uncle John

  • March 17, 2023

    I am so sorry for your loss. Clay was an amazing person with the best smile. He will be deeply missed.

  • March 17, 2023

    On a weekend trip home, ran into Clay at Sutliff...he always had a smile, big hug ,and time to visit...my condolences to Jenni and family and Bob,Rena' Jake,and the Donohoe families❤️

Tributes

  • Mixed Dish Garden

    Mixed Dish Garden was sent for Clay Andrew Donohoe - March 20, 2023

  • Heavenly & Harmony

    Heavenly & Harmony was sent for Clay Andrew Donohoe - March 20, 2023

  • Fall Fantasia

    Fall Fantasia was sent for Clay Andrew Donohoe - March 17, 2023

  • Red and White Floor Basket

    Beverly Meixner sent Red and White Floor Basket for Clay Andrew Donohoe - March 17, 2023

    So sorry you are going through this,our hearts go out to you.....LOVE, Bev&Dale.

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what our families say

Tiffany Foster went out of her way to fulfill all my requests, talked me through problems I was facing, and tried to make me feel as comfortable as possible when I was a wreck, totally crushed, and I thank her with all of my heart for that.

James S. | July 2020

The professional manner of the staff made a difficult time a little easier.

Lynda R. | July 2020

Services provided for both parents were perfect, on time, and no issues. Brenda is awesome and strong!

Michael M. | July 2020

Skyler was absolutely amazing. She was so caring and helpful through this whole process. She even went above and beyond to meet with us in DeForest and even to make a stop at our home to drop off or pick up anything needed. While it was a small gesture, it was so helpful and greatly appreciated.

Brooke S. | Dec. 2020

Madison North East

2418 N. Sherman Avenue
Madison, WI 53704
Tel: 608-249-8257

Madison West

5701 Odana Road
Madison, WI 53719
Tel: 608-274-1000

Verona

220 S. Enterprise Drive
Verona, WI 53593
Tel: 608-845-6625

DeForest / Windsor

6924 Lake Road
DeForest, WI 53532
Tel: 608-846-4250