Thomas J. Donovan, Jr.

Thomas J. Donovan, 84 of Onalaska, WI passed away on Monday, October 14, 2024, at his home. He was born to Thomas Sr. and Katherine (Degnan) Donovan in Rochester, MN on July 2, 1940. In 1966, he earned his B.A. in Mathematics from Winona State University. He also married Jean Frahm in Wabasha, MN in 1966. 

Thomas started his career working as a Software Programmer in design automation with Univac from 1966 to 1967. He then worked with Control Data in operating systems on CDC 3300’s as a software programmer until 1970. Later in 1970, he was a founder of Memorex Computers Systems in Minneapolis and worked as a project leader of I/O systems until 1973. Thomas and Jean moved to Boston, MA where he joined Digital Equipment Corporation as a General Manager of graphic arts software systems until 1979. He then worked as a manager of all software with Compugraphic until 1981. They moved back to the Midwest, settling in Onalaska, and Thomas started ComputerLand of La Crosse, Winona, and Dubuque, which he owned with Denis Allen until his retirement in 2000. 

Thomas is survived by his wife, Jean; cousins, Teresa Degnan, Kevin O’Reilly, Colleen Wiemerslage, and Mary Ringenberg; along with many relatives from the Frahm, Suffrins, and Zimmerman families.

Thomas was preceded in death by his parents, Thomas and Katherine; and cousin, Mike Hennessy.

Funeral services will be held at 12:30 pm on Monday, October 21, 2024, at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Onalaska with visitation from 11:00 am until the time of services at the church. Burial will follow at the Onalaska City Cemetery. Pastor Daniel Olson will officiate.