Thomas L. McDonald, Ph.D.

Thomas L. McDonald, Ph.D.

October 29, 1943 – October 2, 2024

Age 80 years, Omaha, NE

Tom was born in Milford, Iowa on October 29, 1943, to the late Lester and Irene (Thelen) McDonald.  He grew up on a farm in northwest Iowa (Okoboji area) and attended college at South Dakota State in Brookings, South Dakota receiving a BS in 1966. He furthered his education obtaining MS (1970) and Doctorate (1972) degrees from Washington State University in Pullman, Washington before taking a faculty position at the University of Nebraska Medical Center (UNMC) in Omaha in 1980.  He spent 45 years at UNMC, passing along his expertise in the field of immunology to countless students.  He also contributed significant research as he invented, developed and manufactured prototype diagnostic tests for human and veterinary applications, as well as established start-up companies and was awarded at least 12 patents and numerous licenses.

While in Pullman, Washington Tom opened a flower shop and then an upholstery repair shop that were both highly successful.  On a personal side, he enjoyed going to the gym where he would socialize with other professors and students.  In his earlier years, he was an avid volleyball player until is tore all 3 ligaments in one of his knees.  At home, he loved growing various types of vegetables and flowers. He canned many of these vegetables and loved to bring in produce for everyone in the Department.

He was preceded in death by his mother Irene and father Lester.  He is survived by his brothers/ Tim (Ames, IA) and Randy and his wife Doris of (San Jose, CA), niece, Valerie McDonald (San Jose, Ca); nephew, Mike McDonald (Cypress, Ca) and many colleagues and friends.

Funeral Services and Interment: Saturday, October 12, 2024, 1:00 pm at Resurrection Holy Angels Mausoleum, 7800 W. Center Road officiated by Rev. Michael F. Gutgsell.

After the Interment, Visitation: Saturday, October 12th, from 1:30PM- 2:30PM at West Center Chapel. 

Heafey-Hoffmann-Dworak-Cutler, West Center Chapel, 7805 West Center Road, Omaha, Ne 68124. (402)-391-3900. www.heafeyheafey.com

5 Comments

  • Steve Tracy Posted October 11, 2024 8:40 am

    Gonna miss you, Bro.

  • Randall McDonald Posted October 20, 2024 12:35 pm

    I am so sad that you have left us. I will miss you Bro. You were the best brother any could have had. Rest in peace.

  • Randall Posted October 20, 2024 2:26 pm

    He was a great brother. I loved him. He always said he wanted to save mankind. He did help mankind with his many discoveries. May he rest in peace. Thank all of his friends for there help in his time of passing.

  • VALERIE MCDONALD Posted October 20, 2024 7:54 pm

    Hi Tony, You were my favorite uncle and a wonderful person. Both me and my dad will miss you til eternity. You were so funny and the light of all our lives. Rest in peace. I will forever miss you. Love you.

  • Floyd E Loney Posted October 21, 2024 9:10 pm

    Rest in peace,Tom. Although i didn’t know you well. we were family. I admired your accomplishments and your great mind.

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