KEVIN COTTER DONOVAN, age 72, of Worthington, died Tuesday, July 28, 2026, at Ava's House in Sioux Falls, SD. He was born May 1, 1954, in Austin, Minnesota, to Willard "Bill" and Rose (Cotter) Donovan.

   He graduated from Pacelli High School in Austin in 1972 and from Mankato State College in 1976.

   Kevin was baptized and confirmed in the Catholic faith and served as an altar server throughout his youth. After high school, he sold books door-to-door in New York and Texas before returning to Minnesota, where he owned and managed real estate properties. He then moved to Worthington, where he spent the remainder of his career as a financial advisor with Ameriprise Financial. Additionally, he worked on several projects that brought new businesses to town.

   On August 2, 1986, Kevin married LeAnn Bauermeister at First United Methodist Church in Worthington. Together they built their life and raised their family. Kevin attended First United Methodist Church and was active in his community, volunteering for a variety of committees and boards.

   Outside of work, Kevin's middle-aged years were filled with motorcycle and snowmobile trips, days on the boat with family and friends, grooming his yard to perfection, dreaming of his next project and—last but certainly not least—Thursday night golf league.

   In more recent years, he could often be found attending his grandkids sporting events and activities, driving around in his truck with his 4 legged friend Pippa (Monthei), listening to his music in the garage, and relaxing in his spotless boat.

   Kevin was blessed with a quick Irish wit, a mischievous spirit and had a gift for making people laugh. He loved telling stories, pulling practical jokes, and keeping family, friends, and even complete strangers on their toes. If he could make you laugh—or give you a good scare—he considered it a successful day. Even during his final days and hours, he never lost that spark.

   Kevin always seemed to defy the odds and had a persistence and determination about him that will forever go unmatched. We will miss his one liners, his jokes, his pranks, and his presence deeply.

   Kevin is survived by his wife, LeAnn Donovan of Worthington; two daughters, Angela (Brian) Drent of Sioux City, IA, and Nicolle (Corey) DeRocher of Akron, IA; six grandchildren, Taylor and Tori Drent, and Haidynn, Dailey, Andie, and Bo DeRocher; five siblings, Maureen Donovan of Austin, Sheila (Dewey) Cotter of Austin, Sally (Bob) Danley of Champlin, Kelly Marshall of Austin, and Patrick (Colleen) Donovan of Austin; three brothers-in-law, Daryl Evenson of Devils Lake, ND, Randy (Chris) Bauermeister of Heron Lake, and Rick (Belan) Bauermeister of Heron Lake; longtime friend Mary Monthei; along with several nieces, nephews, extended family members, and many dear friends.

   He was preceded in death by his parents; his sister, Kim Evenson; mother-in-law, Jenola Bauermeister; father-in-law, Delmar Bauermeister; sister-in-law, Kathy Bauermeister; and his best friend, Kelly Monthei.

   A time of fellowship will be from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. Friday, July 31, with Parish Prayers and a time of sharing memories beginning at 6:45 p.m. at Dingmann Funeral Home in Worthington. Visitation will continue one hour prior to the service at the church on Saturday. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:00 a.m. Saturday at St. Mary Catholic Church in Worthington, with Fr. Riley Becher and Deacon Vern Behrends officiating.

   Luncheon will be served at the First United Methodist Fellowship Hall immediately following mass

   A private family interment will take place at a later date.