Donovan Hare

Donovan Hare, 97, of Grand Rapids, Minnesota, passed away peacefully on July 7, 2026, surrounded by the love of his family.

A celebration of Donovan’s life will be 11:00 a.m., Monday, July 13, 2026  at the First Baptist Church in Bemidji, MN.  Visitation will be one hour prior to the service at the church. 

Born on July 25, 1928, in Spring Valley, Minnesota, to Robert Henry and Iva May Hare, Donovan’s life was a story of determination, faith, and hard work. In 1932, at just four years old, his family loaded their new Ford truck, auctioned off their belongings, and ventured north to the farm in Boy River, Minnesota—about as deep into the woods as one could settle. It was there that Donovan developed the work ethic, resilience, and resourcefulness that would define his life.

After graduating from Boy River School in 1947, he traveled to Salem, Oregon, where he married Alma Schuldt in 1948 and worked on housing projects, learning the construction trades before returning home to Boy River in 1949. In 1960, they settled in Grand Rapids and founded Progressive Builders. Over the years, he built countless homes and developments that helped shape the community, including Donovan Drive, Donovan Estates, and Colorado Road—lasting reminders of his vision, craftsmanship, and dedication, where generations of families would build lives and create memories of their own.

Don was a faithful member of Grace Bible Chapel and lived a life rooted in faith. He was known for his strong will, his dry sense of humor, and his ability to fix just about anything—somehow or someway. He loved spending time with family and friends, and few things made him happier than sharing stories and conversation over a cup of coffee.

He enjoyed traveling in his RV to warmer climates during the winter months and took numerous hunting trips throughout the years. He was a charter member of the Itasca Vintage Car Club and spent much of his life rebuilding, restoring, and cruising in hundreds of beautiful cars.

Donovan cherished his family. He is survived by his daughter, Eldora “Dodie” (Jerry) Solheim; his grandchildren, Jon Solheim and Bri (Pete) Stacklie; and his treasured great-grandchildren, Shaden Solheim, Kanton Stacklie, and Kyra Stacklie, along with numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Alma; his parents, Robert and Iva Hare; his son, Donovan Jr.; and his siblings, Harold, Lavaughn, Junior, Alda, Larry, and Mervyn.

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