Gene L. Donoven

Gene L. Donoven

Gene L. Donoven, 80, of Havre, died Thursday evening, May 31, 2012, at the Transitional Care Unit at Benefis Health Care in Great Falls, Mont. His prayer vigil service will be 7 p. m. Wednesday, June 6, 2012, at Holland & Bonine Chapel, with his funeral Mass at 10 a. m. Thursday, June 7, at St. Jude's Thaddeus Church, with Father Daniel Wathen officiating. Burial will follow at Highland Cemetery. A fellowship luncheon will be held at St. Jude Parish Center immediately after the services at the graveside. Memorial contributions in Gene's honor may be made to St. Jude Parish Center or to Feed My Sheep Soup Kitchen in Havre. Services and arrangements have been entrusted to Holland & Bonine Funeral Home.

Gene was born Dec. 12, 1931, in Havre, Mont., to Donald and Clara (Gehlen) Donoven. He was raised and educated in Kremlin, graduating from Kremlin High School. He attended Northern Montana College. He lived in Kremlin and eventually moved to Havre. He married Lorraine "Lori" Balucki on Jan. 19, 1985, in Havre. The couple made their home in Havre and enjoyed their time together.

Gene enjoyed farming, traveling the countryside to visit people, hunting, bowling, snowmobiling and traveling to Arizona in the winter. His wife Lori passed in 1998, and Gene continued to winter in Arizona. He was a kind, quiet and generous person.

He was a member of St. Jude Thaddeus Church and the Eagles and Elks.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Lori Donoven; and his brother Wayne Donoven and his niece Carla Donoven.

Gene is survived by his sister, Donna (Arlen) Knutson of Forest Grove, Ore. ; his brother, Lowell (Darlene) Donoven of Havre; sister in-law, June Donoven of Kremlin; his aunt, Lola Holst of Havre; numerous nieces and nephews and extended family.