Joseph Donahue

A livestream of the Mass of Christian Burial for Tom Donahue will be available at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, August 14, 2021. To view livestream, please click the following link: https://www.facebook.com/StPeterMadison

J Thomas “Tom” Donahue, CLU, CPCU, ChFC, CFP, age 86, died August 5, 2021 at St Mary’s Hospital, Madison, WI. He was born September 18, 1934 in St Paul, MN to John Thomas and Agnes Harriet (Lavelle) Donahue, raised in Erin Prairie, WI on the family farm. Tom graduated from New Richmond High School in 1952. He married Joann A. Berends on June 11, 1955 in New Richmond, WI.

Tom was self-employed as a District Manager for Farmers Insurance Group. He was an avid golfer and euchre player known to many as Prince. He also enjoyed playing couples bridge with Joann and the neighbors, for many years. He enjoyed spending time with his children and grandchildren. He was a hobby apiarist and devoted tree farmer, committed to the well-being of the land and responsible harvesting of lumber.

Tom was a veteran of the United States Navy, and member of St Peter’s Catholic Church, the Knights of Columbus, Jaycee’s, Northside Business Association, and the Early Risers.

Tom is survived by his loving and devoted wife, Joann Donahue; children, Kathleen (Doug Hafeman), Madison, WI; Timothy (Kim), Corona del Mar, CA, Maureen (Dick) Smith, Rio, WI, Jeffery (Rhonda), Windsor, WI, James, Madison, WI, Patrick (Jill Bottoni-Alioto), Lyme Ridge, WI, Kelly (Matt Schroedl), DeForest, WI; grandchildren, Amanda, Katherine, Mitchell, Ellen, Erin, Casey and Devin. He is further survived by sisters, Marguerite Maloney and Helen Hintz; more than 100 nieces and nephews and very special cousins, with whom he remained close although separated by miles.

He was preceded in death by his parents, John and Agnes; brothers, Pat, Paul, Jim, and Frank; sister, Mary Hoffman.

Tom never met a stranger who didn’t become a friend, his glass was always half full and he was always willing to help anyone in need.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, August 14, 2021 at ST. PETER CATHOLIC CHURCH, 5001 N. Sherman Ave., Madison, with Father Gabriel Lopez-Betanzos presiding. Visitation will take place from 6:00-8:00 p.m., Friday, August 13 at Ryan Funeral Home, 2418 N. Sherman Ave., Madison, as well as on Saturday at church from 10:00 a.m. until the time of Mass. A Luncheon will follow at the church. Interment will take place at St. Mary of the Lake Cemetery in Westport. Memorials may be made to the Parkinson’s foundation https://www.parkinson.org/. To access livestream link and to view and sign this guestbook, please visit: www.ryanfuneralservice.com.

Ryan Funeral Home & Cremation Services

2418 N. Sherman Avenue

608-249-8257