Father Donald J. Lovas

Father Donald J. Lovas, age 88, of Winona, MN, died Tuesday, February 11, 2025, at Benedictine – St. Anne in Winona.

Father Lovas was born January 13, 1937, to Joseph and Marie (Sielaff) Lovas in Winona, Minnesota. He attended Cotter High School, graduating in 1955. He then entered St. Mary’s College in Winona, for studies in Philosophy and graduated with a BA Degree in 1959. He then entered the St. Paul Seminary and was ordained to the Priesthood at the Cathedral of the Sacred Heart in Winona, on June 1, 1963.

After ordination, he served at a number of parishes throughout Southern Minnesota. On July 1, 2010, after 47 years of active parish work, he retired to his family home in Winona. There he helped in various parishes, usually with weekend Masses but also funerals during the week. While his ability to lay bricks waned as the years went by, his love and pride for the practice remained strong, as did his appreciation for fishing and the subsequent fish fries.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

Visitation will be held from 9 AM until the Mass of Christian Burial at 11 AM on Monday, February 17, 2025, at the Cathedral of the Sacred Heart in Winona, with priests of the Diocese concelebrating.

Interment will be at St. Mary’s Cemetery in Winona.

Online condolences or memories may be left at www.watkowski-mulyck.com.

Watkowski-Mulyck Funeral Home of Winona is assisting with arrangements.