James “Jake” Thomas Donlan, of Burr Oak, Iowa, died on January 1, 2026, at The Highlands (Aase Haugen Senior Living) at the age of 77.
Services will be held on Friday, January 9 at 2 p.m., at the Minnesota State Veteran’s Cemetery in Preston, Minn.
Jake was born on April 3, 1948, the son of Lawrence and Gertrude (Barth) Donlan. He attended country school through the eighth grade when he quit to go to work and “make a living and attend the school of hard knocks,” as he would say. Jake was drafted into the United States Army in March 1968. He attended basic training in Fort Bliss, Tex., before being stationed in Vietnam, where he served as a combat medic. He was the recipient of many awards, including the the Purple Heart, a prestigious U.S. military decoration. He was very proud of his service to our country.
Following discharge from the service, Jake owned and operated Jake’s 66 in Burr Oak for the better part of two decades, before selling the station to farm and drive truck. In his later years he delivered trailers for Featherlite Trailers. He loved to travel the country. When he was no longer able to travel far distances, he enjoyed staying close to home transporting the local Amish and traveling around the Burr Oak area and stopping to chat with anyone who would take time to visit with him!
Jake was united in marriage to Donna Garwood. To this union three children were born: Denise, Jessica and Kevin. Jake and Donna later divorced.
Jake is survived by his three children: Denise (Ron) Rimer, Hillsboro, Oreg., Jessica Flanscha, New Hampton, Iowa, and Kevin Donlan, Decorah, Iowa; his grandchildren Becca Flanscha, Katelyn Flanscha, Natalie Flanscha, Taylor Donlan, Bailey Wise and Brandon Schneider. He is also survived by his close friends Jason and Tami Bohr, Berndt Bohr, and Baylor Bohr.
Jake is preceeded in death by his parents Lawrence and Gertrude, and his brother Howard.
While there will be no formal visitation, everyone is welcome to gather at the Mabel Legion following the service, from 3-5 pm to celebrate a life well lived, and enjoy one of Jake’s favorite pastimes … reminiscing and sharing stories … and maybe enjoy a Pepsi or two!
In lieu of flowers or memorials, friends are encouraged to make a donation to the Mabel Legion, The Highlands (Aase Haugen Senior Living), St. Croix Hospice, WinnMed Ambulance or Winneshiek County EMS Association.
The Mengis Funeral Home in Mabel is assisting with arrangements.
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