James "Pete" Donahue

Racine- James “Pete” Donahue, 78, passed away at his home on Friday, July 25, 2008 following a valiant battle with cancer. A lifetime resident, Pete was born in Racine on January 22, 1930 to the late Thomas William and Katherine Ann (nee: Manderfeld) Donahue. A 1948 graduate of St. Catherine’s High School, he went on to proudly earn his degree from University of Wisconsin-Madison under the G.I. Bill. Pete faithfully served our Country with the United States Army in the 196th Regimental Combat Team in Alaska. On November 26, 1960 in St. Joseph Catholic Church, Pete was united in marriage with the love of his life, Mary Therese Korzinek. He was employed for over 20 years at Abbott Laboratories until leaving to operate his own company, Jamar Industries. Years later, Jamar became known as Tube Strut. With a profound Catholic faith, Pete was a long time member of Holy Name Catholic Church, where he was active on the school board and parish council. For the past decade, he was a pillar member of St. Lucy Catholic Church where he enjoyed being an involved participant of the 7:30 am Mass. Among his interests, Pete enjoyed golfing and travelling. He loved people and was constantly concerned with human condition. Above all, Pete placed his family’s needs as priority one in life. Surviving are his loving wife, Mary; their children, Kevin Donahue, Maureen Donahue, Michael (Emma “Paty”) Donahue and Brian Donahue; grandchildren, Thomas, Marcus and Emma Donahue; brother, Herbert (Lorraine) Donahue; sisters-in-law, Merle Donahue and Geraldine Botting; and by special nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends too numerous to mention by name. In addition to parents, Pete was preceded in death by his brothers, William Patrick Donahue and Joseph Leo Donahue; sister, Valerie Donahue; and brother-in-law, Robert Botting. In accordance with Pete’s wishes, cremation will take place. A Memorial Mass will be celebrated on Monday, July 28, 2008 at 7:00 pm in Pete’s beloved St. Lucy Catholic Church, 3101 Drexel Ave., with Rev. Mark R. Jones and Rev. Cletus V. Uhen officiating. There will be time to visit with Pete’s family in St. Lucy Church on Monday from 5:00 – 7:00 pm. Private interment will take place in Southern Wisconsin Veterans Cemetery. In memory of Pete, memorials to St. Lucy Church or to the Alzheimer’s Association have been suggested. A heartfelt note of thanks to Pete’s guardian angels – Merle Donahue, Patrick Donahue, Rosario Rickey and Ray Organ; to Dr. Robert Ninneman and Dr. Paul Ritch; and to our other family members and friends for all you did for us in our time of need. God bless all of you!