Obituary of Thomas "Tom" Richard O'Donnell

Thomas Richard O’Donnell passed away at home on October 2, 2024, surrounded by his family. Tom was born in Crandon, Wisconsin, on December 22, 1932, to Harry and Jane (Hambley) O’Donnell. The oldest of four siblings—Mary Jane (Schultz); Susan (Miller); and Harry, Jr; all of whom predeceased him—Tom grew up and developed affinities for baseball, card playing, and the Green Bay Packers in Crandon. He often spent summers with his maternal grandparents in Hurley, Wisconsin, or with his aunts in Chicago, Illinois, where he enjoyed attending Chicago Cubs games. He graduated from Crandon High School in 1950.

After a year at the Wisconsin State College–Stevens Point (UW–Stevens Point), Tom joined the US Navy and served as a Fire Control Technician for four years in the Asian Pacific during the Korean Conflict. Following his time in the Navy, Tom held technical positions with companies in Wisconsin, Oregon, and Minnesota.

In the spring of 1964, Tom met his future wife, Patricia Merrill, in a Richfield, Minnesota, bowling league. The couple married on June 28, 1964, at Hazel Park Congregational Church in St Paul, Minnesota. At about the same time, Tom began keeping a daily log, which he maintained for about 50 years, and started working for 3M in St Paul as an electrical engineer.

Tom and Pat raised three children—Sean (Kathleen), Daniel, and Jennifer (Greg)—in Lake Elmo, Minnesota. For many years, Tom continued to play fast- and slow-pitch softball; to bike to and from work and on extended trips with friends, including 13 RAGBRAI rides; and to train for and run 11 marathons. He also continued to enjoy playing cards as well as traveling and making Sunday excursions to Wisconsin to watch Packers games with Pat. Four grandchildren—Kiel, Alexandra, Malcolm, and Laken—and one great grandchild, Bryanna, also survive him.

Christ Lutheran Church ELCA, 11194 36th Street North, Lake Elmo, will host a memorial service at 11:00 (visitation 10:00 AM) on Monday, October 7, 2024. Interment will take place on a future date at Christ Cemetery in Lake Elmo.