Michael (Mick) Joseph Donahue, 74, of Sun City West, Arizona, and formerly of Mendota, Illinois, died Thursday, September 14, 2017 at Banner Del E. Webb Medical Center in Arizona after an intensive battle with lung cancer.

A Mass of Christian burial will be at 10:00 a.m. Saturday in Holy Cross Church, Mendota with the Rev. Peter Pilon officiating along with Rev. Gary Blake of Holy Family in Oglesby, Rev. Jake Rose of St. Joseph's in Peru, and Rev. Harold Datzmann of St. Bede in Peru. Burial will be in Holy Cross Cemetery with military rites by Mendota VWF Post 4079. Visitation will be Friday  from 4-7 p.m. in the Merritt Funeral Home with a 7:00 p.m. Rosary. Pallbearers will be Jason Donahue, Joe Donahue, Alan Weber, Jack Hartford, Jack Herbert, and Mike Guilfoyle. Honorary pallbearer will be Jerry Donahue. Music will be provided by Jim and Jeanne Fitzpatrick and Bobbie Thornton.

Donahue was born November 11, 1942, at the Harris Hospital in Mendota, to Leslie Michael (L.M.) Donahue and Alice Marie (Guilfoyle) Donahue.

He attended Holy Cross Grade School, Mendota High School, IVCC, and University of St. Francis.

He served in the U.S. Army 1961-1963 in the Signal Corps in Korea and received a letter of commendation for his work in setting up communications in the Florida Keys during the Cuban Crisis.

On December 27, 1975 he married Sandee (Roda) Donahue at Holy Family Church in Oglesby.

For thirty-five years, Mick was employed at Manley Brothers Silica Sand in Troy Grove.While there he served as ABC Union Local 427 as President, Vice-President and Trustee. He retired on May 5, 2005.

Donahue was an active member of the American Legion, VFW, VietNow, AmVets, and Catholic War Vets, and he served on the Board of the Kendall County Veterans Assistance Commission.

Shortly after moving to Arizona, Mick trained and became a sworn officer of the Maricopa County Sheriff's Posse. He was also a member of Shooter's World and was an ardent gun collector and competition shooter, proudly attaining concealed carry licenses in Utah, Florida, Illinois, and Arizona. For many years, Mick practiced QiGong and had reached the level of a green belt in Tai Chi. In addition, he was an enthusiastic motorcycle rider on his Harley Davidson.

An avid traveler, Mick journeyed extensively in the United States (exploring 35 states), Canada, Mexico, Central America, South America, China, Israel, 17 countries of Europe, and 20 islands of the Caribbean.

Mick was a member of Holy Cross Church in Mendota for 72 years before transferring to Our Lady of Lourdes Parish in AZ. He served as lector, EME, and CCD Instructor. He was also active in Sheridan Correctional Center Prison Cursillo, Illinois Valley Cursillo, Holy Cross and Sts, Peter and Paul WATCH program, and was a Board member and annual retreat leader at King's House of Retreats in Henry. He was a 3rd Degree Knights of Columbus and was a professed member of John Michael Talbot's Brothers and Sisters of Charity Domestic.

Donahue is survived by his wife Sandee, and siblings Pat Donahue of Rockford, Jerry (Ellen) Donahue of Mendota, Dr. Joe (Jan) Donahue of Peru, and Cathy Donahue of Tarpon Springs, Florida as well as numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

Memorials may be directed to the family for a memorial to be established.

Pallbearers will be Jason Donahue, Joe Donahue, Alan Weber, Jack Hartford, Jack Herbert, and Mike Guilfoyle. Honorary pallbearer will be Jerry Donahue. Music will be provided by Jim and Jeanne Fitzpatrick and Bobbie Thornton.