Father Thomas J. Donaldson
Father Tom died peacefully on April 21 in Holmen, Wis., after an extended illness.
- Father Thomas J. Donaldson
Father Tom died peacefully on April 21 in Holmen, Wis., after an extended illness.
Tom was born in Eau Claire in 1939. He attended St. Patrick's Grade School and graduated in 1957 from Regis High School. He attended the College of St. Thomas for 3 years prior to entering the seminary in La Crosse. Upon graduating, he entered Mt. St. Bernard's Seminary in Dubuque, Iowa. He later did graduate studies at Seattle University.
Tom was ordained a priest for the Diocese of La Crosse on June 1 1968. Diocesan assignments over 44 years of priestly service took him to St. Michael's Parish in Wausau, St. Charles Parish in Chippewa Falls, Santa Cruz, Bolivia as a missionary for 9 years, Notre Dame Parish in Chippewa Falls, St. Joseph's Parish in Elk Mound, and St. Francis Parish in Ellsworth where he served for 22 years. He retired in 2010 and relocated to St. Joseph's Parish in Arkansaw, Wis., where he remained pastorally active in the local Church including his much-loved service to the Hispanic community in Minnesota.
Tom is survived by his siblings Sr. Mary Jo, OSB; Elizabeth (John) Maloney; Robert; Patrick; Barbara (Nathan) Collins; Sr. Bridget, OSB; Rita (David) McCarthy; and a vast number of nieces and nephews whom he loved dearly.
Tom was preceded in death by his father, Ralph Benedict; his mother, Josephine Mary; and brother John Charles.
Gratitude and blessings are extended to all the friends and families who have expressed their love for Fr. Tom over all the years. We ask that you remember him in your prayers. The family is also deeply grateful for the professional and very personal care of the hospice staff of Mayo Clinic's Franciscan Healthcare.
There will be a Mass at St. Elizabeth's in Holmen at 11 a.m. Thursday, April 26, celebrated by Fr. Del Malin along with Fr. John Parr, with visitation beginning at 10 a.m. Thursday evening, visitation will be at St. Francis in Ellsworth from 4-8 p.m. with the vigil prayer service at 7 p.m. Mass of Christian burial will be at 11 a.m. Friday at St Francis with visitation beginning at 10 a.m. The celebrant will be Bishop William Callahan and homilist will be Fr. Tom's nephew, Fr. Christopher Collins, SJ.
Information and online condolences may be given to the family at www.dickinsonfuneralhomes.com.
Memorials can be sent to St. Francis Parish in Ellsworth; Santa Cruz Mission c/o Mission Office of the Diocese of La Crosse, PO Box 4004, La Crosse, WI 54601; or the Food Pantry at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton in Holmen.
The Dickinson Family Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.
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Sherrie S.
Father Tom was a Very Wonderful Man. I used to love to talk with him when I worked at Speed Way in Ellsworth or any time I would see him. My prayers are with the Family at this time. He is with God now an in safe hands. RIP Father. Sherrie SwensonMondovi, WI 04/26/2012 4:16 PM
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