Thomas J. Donahue

Thomas J. Donahue, 85, of Ottawa passed away Wednesday, August 16, 2017 at his home.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10 am, Wednesday, August 23 at St. Patrick's Church with Rev. David Kipfer officiating, with the Ottawa American Legion Veterans Group Honorguard in attendance. Visitation will be from 4 - 7 pm, Tuesday, August 22 at Ottawa Funeral Home, with prayers at 3:45. Private burial will be in St. Columba Cemetery at a later date.

Tom was born January 15, 1932 in Ottawa to John J. and Anne (Clark) Donahue. He married Emma L. LeBeau April 14,1956 in St. Mary's Church in Naplate. Tom was a proud member of the United States Army, serving in Germany as chaplain's assistant from 1953-1955. He worked as a milkman for Pitstick Dairy farm for many years. Tom then retired from Spicer Gravel Company, after 20 years. He loved gardening and working in his yard, and he was an avid Chicago Cubs and Bears fan. Tom was a loving husband, dad, grandpa, and great-grandpa. He is survived by his wife of 61 years, Emma; four children, Dr. Julie (Col. Barry) Pearson of New Bern, NC; Gail (Donald) Lowman of Ottawa, Paula (Brian) Chevalier of OR, and Brian (Julie Meagher) Donahue of Ottawa; five grandkids, Joshua (Sara), Kyle, Trevor (Ashley), Josephine, and Noah; two great-granddaughters, Zoey and Molly; one brother, Earl (Phyllis) Donahue; and three sisters, Ivis McGrath, Mary Schaibley, and Josephine (William) Parrott. He was preceded in death by his parents; three brothers, John, Francis, and Nicholas Donahue; one sister, Claire (William) Rohlman; and two brothers-in-law, Robert McGrath and Harold Schaibley. Pallbearers will be his grandchildren. Memorials may be directed to OSF Hospice or Marquette Academy.