Dennis "Din" Donohue

Dennis "Din" Donohue, 82 years old, died at home Sept 6, 2022 of natural causes. He was born July 26, 1940 in Detroit, Mi, the son of Lawrence Edward Donohue and Elizabeth O’Connor Donohue. On June 26, 1965 he married Maureen Rebeca Walsh.

He attended Dearborn Sacred Heart Parish School class of 1958, University of Detroit College and Law School. He was a member of the Blue Key Honor Society, and Editor in Chief of the U of D Law Journal.

He Clerked for Michigan Supreme Court Chief Justice T. M. Kavanaugh and worked as an Assistant Prosecuting Attorney in Oakland County, before moving to Lansing to work as a Supreme Court Commissioner and Administrator of the Bar Exam. He also served on the Board of Trustees for Library of Michigan.

He raised his children in East Lansing in the home he loved for 50 years. An avid reader, his avocation was history. He loved public radio, great conversation, and spending time at the family cottage on Lake Huron. He was a great storyteller. He was a devoted husband to Maureen, a generous and loving father to his four children, Dennis John Donohue ( Amy née Ingram), Molly ( Johnny Kaus), Ellen ( Mauricio Fernandez de Cordova), Sara ( Chris Schmitt). He loved and enjoyed his ten grandchildren, Allaire ( Chris) Swart, Lt. Joseph Donohue, Laura Donohue, MD (fiance, Paul Sorenson), Alice Donohue, Rosie Spinola, Luke Spinola, Lily Spinola, Rebeca Fernandez De Cordova Donohue, Isaac Schmitt, Eliza Schmitt, and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by siblings Lawrence, Gilbert, Ellen, twin brother Daniel, and baby brother Christopher.

Private services will be held. Memorial contributions are suggested to Library of Michigan Foundation.

Dennis lived his life surrounded by his family, his books, and lively conversation.