Thomas F. Dornback

Thomas F. Dornback passed away on Tuesday, August 5, 2025, surrounded by his loved ones, one day shy of his 89th birthday. Born on August 6, 1936, to Edwin Dornback and Louise Rotter Dornback in Chicago, IL, Tom enriched the lives of all who knew him with his warmth, intellect, and kindness.

Tom grew up in Chicago with his three sisters and one brother, always a Bears fan, always a Cubs fan. He pursued his academic interests at DePaul University where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Psychology, then pursuing the University of Chicago Masters in Business Administration Executive Program; all this while raising with first wife Judy his three children: Kathleen, Christine, and William.

Tom left lasting marks at Zenith Electronics and Zenith Data Systems, where his pioneering spirit contributed to the development of early desktop and laptop computers. Driven by innovation, he ventured into entrepreneurship, founding several businesses in electronics, software, and consulting. Tom's legacy is one of mentorship, learning and teaching, having influenced colleagues and friends across the globe - from the United States to Japan and Taiwan. His wisdom, generosity, and positive spirit left indelible marks in the hearts of many.

In the 1980s and 1990s, Tom also taught evening classes at Illinois Benedictine University, where he received an honorary doctorate degree.

In retirement, Tom dedicated himself to community service, raising ten Canine Companion service puppies with his wife, Alice, and volunteering at police departments in Skokie, IL and Naples, FL. His passion for life shone through in his hobbies, whether casting lines during fishing trips, losing himself in the pages of classic novels, observing the heavens, enjoying Beethoven and Mozart, and for most of his life, engaging with Ham Radio friends (K4MKX).

Tom was preceded in death by his parents Ed and Louise, Alice's parents Ted and Ava Baehler, brother-in-law David M. Baehler, daughter Kathleen Moeslein, and sisters Shirley Larson and Nancy Wendt. He is survived by his beloved wife Alice Baehler, brother Fred (Mary) Dornback, sister Carol Puckett, Chris and Rosanne Moeslein, daughter Christine (Kevin) Bailey, son William (Jennifer) Dornback, seven grandchildren, numerous cousins, nephews, nieces, step-grandchildren, and step-great-grandchildren.

Tom's final resting place will be at Rosedale Cemetery in Grand Rapids, MI, alongside Alice's parents, with a graveside service to be held September 5, 2025. Memorials may be made to Canine Companions, a nationwide service dog training program, either online or to P.O. Box 446, Santa Rosa, CA 95402.

From his best Ham Radio friend, 73 OM.