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Donald Tobie Obituary
Don was born Aug. 23, 1942, in Hastings, Pa., the son of Lawrence and Dorothy (Bechel) Tobie. Don was an ETR2, (Electronic Technician) in the U.S. Navy with three tours to Vietnam where he earned three bronze stars. After mustering from the Navy, he married the very young and lovely Patricia Anne Allen on July 8, 1967, in Venice, Calif., and started with IBM where he worked in Glendale, Calif., San Jose, Calif., Rochester and Hursley, England. During his time with IBM, he earned two patents pertaining to hard drive development.
Don's quiet strength and positive thinking was a model for living. He was most happy surrounded by his family and friends, traveling, fishing and golfing.
Don is survived by his wife, Pat; three amazing daughters, Cathy (Jeff) Haas, Diane (Steven) Wonchoba, and Melinda (Chad) Sullens; seven above-average grandchildren, Brad, Cory, and Ben Haas, Allison, Eric and Cameron Wonchoba, Ethan Sullens; and his older brother, Joe (Edith). He is preceded in death by his parents and two brothers, Henry and Paul.
Don donated his brain for dementia research. In lieu of flowers, we suggest a donation to LBD Association (lbda.org/donate) or Mayo Clinic brain disorder research (philanthropy.mayoclinic.org).
A celebration of life will be held 11 a.m. Saturday May 20, at Church of the Resurrection Catholic Church, Rochester. Visitation will be from 10 a.m. until time of service. Interment will be at Fort Snelling at a later date.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
4 Entries
May 18, 2017
We wish to express out condolences to Pat and her family. We think of you and Don every time we go to the pool. It was a long, hard struggle that you both navigated with grace and good humor.
Pat and Bob Mapel
May 18, 2017
My thoughts and prayers go out to Pat and her family. Had so many good times with Pat & Don on our Tuesday morning breakfasts!
Gus Heinzelman
May 18, 2017
My Condolences,(we were in England together for a year)
Ruth Lincoln
May 17, 2017
Sincere condolences to Pat and the family. The short time I knew Pat and Don, I admired their closeness, strength and determination. God bless you in this sad time.
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