MENDOTA - Edward R. Donovan, 82, of Mendota passed away April 23, 2020 at his home.

Graveside services will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday May 1 at the Troy Grove Cemetery with Father Peter Pilon officiating. A memorial Mass will be held at Holy Cross Church, Mendota at a later date. Merritt Funeral Home, Mendota is handling arrangements.

Edward was born April 25, 1937 in LaSalle to Edward and Lucille (Lindenmeier) Donovan. He married the love of his life, Irene Roulston, on June 9, 1956 at Holy Cross Church in Mendota.

Survivors include his wife of Mendota; one daughter, Marlene Melau, of Troy Grove; one son, Gary (Donna) Donovan of Rockford; two grandchildren, Mitchell (Melissa) Melau of Troy Grove and Marissa (David) Trumper of LaSalle; four great-grandchildren, Noah, Chelsea, Jesse and Anthony; four great-great grandchildren, Logan, Lucy, Lyla and Amelia; and two brothers, Don (Pat) Donovan of Princeton and Dan (Margie) Donovan of Sublette.

He was preceded in death by his parents and one son-in-law, Montie Melau on Jan. 16, 2020.

Edward attended Lincoln School and Holy Cross Grade School in Mendota. In his early teenage years, he was a known guitar player in the Mendota Accordion Band. He wasted no time at all with getting right to work. At 16 years old, he started his 49-year career with Conco/Heico/Spartan Tool in Mendota. While employed there, he held many positions including welder, painter, coiler, working on the bomb line, and running a screw machine.

Edward enjoyed many things that life had to offer. He was often times found traveling and regularly found himself enjoying the shows and musical performances in Branson, Mo. He was musically talented on the guitar and the organ. Hunting and fishing were two hobbies of his as well. He very rarely missed a car show and he enjoyed polishing his 1976 Oldsmobile 442. He was always known for being a hard worker and his most valued interest was to spend as much time as he could with his family.

Memorials may be directed to Illinois Valley Public Action to Deliver Shelter or Holy Cross School in Mendota.