Donald John Devaney

Donald John Devaney (known as Don) passed away peacefully on September 26, 2025, at the age of 96.

Born on March 30, 1929, in St. Paul, Minnesota, Don was the son of Clement and Lillian Devaney with his five siblings: Edward, Marion, Ann (LaVerne), Robert, and Joseph. He attended St. Agnes Catholic School in St. Paul.

After high school, Don was drafted into the U.S. Navy Reserve in Minneapolis. From ages 23 to 26, he served as an aviation technician in the Navy, stationed aboard a carrier based out of San Diego. It was during his time in the service that Don felt called to the seminary.

In 1955, he entered the Passionists of the Holy Cross Seminary where he spent the next few years studying scripture and theology.  Don was ordained a Catholic priest in 1959 and continued his studies to earn an M.A. in 1963, followed by an M.S. in Psychology in 1967. He found great fulfillment in his work as a chaplain, guiding young men through pivotal life decisions.

After 18 years in seminary and priesthood, Don felt drawn to a new path. In 1973, he moved to Cincinnati, Ohio, and pursued an MBA at Xavier University, graduating in 1976 at age 47. He then returned to Minneapolis and began his career as an accountant at the University of Minnesota, where he worked for 17 years until his retirement in 1995.

Retirement marked a new chapter. At age 65, Don built his home on Lake Mille Lacs, where he enjoyed the peace of nature and time spent fishing, hunting, and trading stocks—some of his favorite hobbies.

In 2006, Don moved to St. Benedict's Senior Community in St. Cloud, later relocating in 2020 to Elk River, where he lived with the family of Ed Gleason until his passing.

Don was the last surviving member of his immediate family, preceded in death by his siblings Edward, Marion, Ann (LaVerne), Robert, and Joseph.

Don will be remembered for his quiet wisdom, deep faith, and generous spirit.

A Memorial Mass of Christian Burial will be held Thursday, October 2, 2025 at 11:00 AM, with visitation beginning 10:30 AM, at Saint Joseph Catholic Community, 8701 36th Avenue North, New Hope, MN. Burial will be at a later date at Fort Snelling National Cemetery in Minneapolis, MN.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Dare's Funeral Home of Elk River, MN. 763-441-1212. www.daresfuneralhome.com

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Donald John Devaney, please visit our floral store.