1919-2007

A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated Wednesday at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Traverse City for Thomas Edward Donley of Elmwood Township who died Dec. 16. He was 88.

He was born in Traverse City on Nov. 7, 1919, the son of Michael E. and Mary M. (Bilsky) Donley. On Oct. 7, 1946, at Holy Angels Chapel in Traverse City, he married the former Jean Ann Johnson, who survives.

He was a 1937 graduate of the St. Francis Catholic School in Traverse City; graduated from Michigan State University with a degree in forestry in 1942; and served as a Navy officer in both the Atlantic and Pacific theaters during World War II. He was the former owner of Modern Cleaners in Traverse City until his retirement. He was a member of Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, VFW Post #2780, and a life member of the Elks Lodge #323 in Traverse City. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, golfing, gardening, working in the yard and playing cards.

Also surviving are his two sons, Michael T. Donley of Dexter and Thomas J. (Marsha Krider) Donley of Maple City; three daughters, Pamela S. Weber (John Lannin) of Traverse City, Mary Sue (Geff) Heidbrink of Elk Rapids, and Jean E. Donley of Traverse City; three grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by four sisters, Loretta Donley, Noreen Donley, Ellen Lutz and Harriet Gorenflo.

Burial will take place in Oakwood Catholic Cemetery. Memorial donations may be directed to Munson Hospice or the charity of one’s choice.