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Mark Donahue Obituary
Mark was born April 6, 1943, in Fort Lewis, WA to Alma Ellen (Drennen) Donahue and Chester Smith. He was raised in Cedar Rapids, IA by his mother "Ellen" and John G. Donahue.
Mark graduated from Washington High School in 1961, attended college first at St. Thomas College in St. Paul MN, but earned his Bachelor of Arts from the University of Iowa. He married the love of his life and best friend, Sharon (Kegler) Donahue, and together they had three daughters: Kelly (Donahue) Greenfield of Bonney Lake, WA, Molly Donahue of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, and Jennifer Donahue, of Seattle WA. Mark and Sharon shared 57 years of marriage together.
Mark enjoyed a long career as a realtor starting at Bickle and Byers in Cedar Rapids in the 1960s and eventually started his own brokerage, Mark Donahue Realtors. When Mark and Sharon moved to Durango, CO, he continued his real estate career, finally retiring in 2012 from Realty Executives where he was a co-owner.
Mark was very politically active as a lobbyist for Real Estate Associations both in Cedar Rapids, IA, and Durango, CO. He was elected president of the Cedar Rapids Board of Realtors in 1980, 1995, and 1996. While in Cedar Rapids, he also served on the Iowa Association of Realtors, Board of Directors from 1995 to 2001, and was regional Vice President. He was Realtor Emeritus, with the National Association of Realtors.
After moving to Durango, Mark served on the Durango Board of Realtors and was elected president for two terms. Mark was also elected State of Colorado Board of Realtors Vice President.
Mark was active in many charitable organizations during his life in Cedar Rapids, including the Jaycee's in his early years and more recently, the Ex-Club. Mark was especially fond of his lifetime membership at the YMCA of Cedar Rapids Metropolitan area from age 6, where he took his first swimming lessons and then acquired his life-long love of recreational activities. Mark was also a member of Cedar Rapids Country Club where he enjoyed playing tennis and golfing with friends and family.
Community service was always a priority for Mark, so when he and Sharon moved to Durango, he joined the High Noon Rotary and was instrumental in the community effort to combine Durango nonprofit organizations, forming the Southwest Institute for Education and Conservation located at "The Commons."
Mark leaves behind his loving wife and best friend, Sharon, his three daughters Kelly Greenfield (Troy), Molly Donahue, Jennifer Donahue (Sarah Howell), his grandchildren Taylor Greenfield, Jordan Greenfield, Charlie Donahue, and many cherished friends.
A celebration of life will be held for family and friends at a later date to be determined.
In lieu of flowers, please consider making donations to Hospice of Mercy Durango.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Mark Donahue
Mark Kamps
January 26, 2021
Sharon, I am so very sorry to hear this. Mark was President of the Cedar Rapids Association of Realtors in 1995 when I was President of the Iowa City Area Association. We worked together, traveled together and had a lot of fun together. He was truly a great friend and will be missed.
I loved Mark Donahue and I know many others did, too. May he Rest In Peace!
Peggy Redford
January 25, 2021
He had a beautiful smile and always a kind word. My condolences to his family.
Kim Caldwell
January 24, 2021
Mark was a class act, one of a kind. He will be missed!!!
RaNae Bakel
January 21, 2021
Mark will be greatly missed! Prayers and my sympathy to the family.
Enjoyed playing pickleball with him!
January 21, 2021
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Jim Danskin
January 20, 2021
So sorry to hear this news about Mark's death. I had no idea he was ill. please accept my deepest sympathy to your family.
David Chamberlain
January 20, 2021
My sincere condolences for the entire Donahue family. I had the great pleasure of spending time with Mark at our Rotary functions and always enjoyed his company. The encouragement he provided was more like that of a big brother for me, something I never had, and yet something I deeply appreciated from Mark. I know we will all miss his welcome smile and words of wisdom but most of all his friendship and kindness.
Judith Barvinek
January 20, 2021
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Sharon Rosenberg
January 20, 2021
From our WHS years until his passing, Mark and Sharon have been part of my memories. I am sorry that our paths didn't cross while my husband, Harry, was still a member of the EX-Club. Mark and Harry would have enjoyed each other. RIP Mark. Sharon Rosenberg
Tami Joslin
January 19, 2021
Mark was a wonderful member of our Rotary Club, was so optimistic and caring. Will miss him very much.
Tom Trimberger
January 19, 2021
Mark was a welcoming member of Rotary and when I joined, he stood out as a very friendly person. I will miss him and his friendship. RIP Mark and safe travels to a better life.
Christine Serwe
January 19, 2021
What a surprise to read this news today. I remember Mark fondly as a Realtor colleague in Durango and most certainly a friend to me and to many. Mark always made people feel special and he will be remembered and greatly missed! Rest in peace my friend.
Amanda Erickson
January 19, 2021
Love to you Sharon and your sweet family. He was one of my favorite fellas xo thought this was a great picture of you too. I found it in the archives along with a few others. Sending hugs!
Heather L. Erb
January 19, 2021
Sharon and Family,
I'm sorry for your loss. I worked with Mark on the DAAR Board of Realtors during his tenure. He was always passionate about his role as a Realtor in our community and had a kind heart.
Linda Michalec
January 18, 2021
Sharon and girls, we send our love and prayers for all of you. The greatest memory we have of Mark is the he was always a gentleman. I think that is the highest compliment any man can receive and he was certainly a gentleman.
Love from Linda and Larry Michalec.
Kelly Trachta
January 17, 2021
Molly and family, I am sorry for your loss. Never a great day for the loss of a husband, father or friend. I am hoping you have many fond memories to sustain you. I know his daughter Molly is carrying on his legacy with all of her commitment to her community!
Gretchen Schneider Kopecky
January 16, 2021
Thoughts and prayers to Mark’s family.
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