Thomas Lee Dornack

Thomas Lee Dornack, 75, of Eyota, Minnesota, passed away unexpectedly on August 7, 2026.

Tom was born April 6, 1951, in Rochester, Minnesota, to Leo and June Dornack. He graduated from John Marshall High School in Rochester. On April 6, 1974, Tom married Susan Erickson.

Tom was blessed with an incurable passion for learning all things wild trout and sharing that knowledge to protect and benefit the cold-water resources of Southeast Minnesota. From the detritus to the stream's currents, thalwegs and invertebrates, anything connected to the life of a wild trout received his full attention. Reading all he could about entomology and hydrology, and learning from early local fly-fishing icons like Art Lohman, he never stopped observing, learning, and experimenting to further his understanding of wild trout while honing his fly-fishing skills.

He joined the board of directors of the Hiawatha Chapter of Trout Unlimited in the late 1970s, remaining active on the board for more than forty years. He served twice as Hiawatha Chapter President, was chapter and state stream habitat chairman for more than three decades, served multiple terms on the Trout Unlimited state council, and led numerous trout-stream habitat restoration tours and workshops, including tours for the Lessard-Sams Outdoor Heritage Council and the Trout Unlimited National Convention.

One person who shared this passion and this work with Tom in a particularly meaningful way was Gary Sobotta, his best friend, colleague and co-owner of Habitat Solutions. Outside of Tom's family, few people held a more special place in his life than Gary. Their friendship was built over decades of shared work, countless conversations, time on the streams and a common commitment to improving Southeast Minnesota's trout waters. Together through Habitat Solutions, they helped turn that passion and knowledge into lasting improvements on the landscape. As Trout Unlimited Habitat Chairman and co-owner of Habitat Solutions, Tom helped oversee the design and supervision of more than forty miles of trout-stream habitat restoration work in Southeast Minnesota.

Tom also assisted with the filming of Trout Unlimited's national television show, TROUT, with Tim Linehan on the Crow Spring section of the Middle Branch of the Whitewater River; the Hiawatha Chapter's three-mile home-waters trout habitat project for which Tom led the design and restoration.

As one of the founding members of the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources Southeast Minnesota Trout Advisory Group (SEMTAG), Tom was instrumental in shaping the modern understanding that one size does not fit all when it comes to trout regulations and management, helping influence many of the approaches used today.

He equally enjoyed archery deer hunting. No matter what type of bow he used, he was proficient with it. Setting up close and playing the wind was a challenge he loved. Attention to detail mattered, and positive results followed.

Nothing made him happier than seeing his children and grandchildren succeed in the things they loved. As much as he enjoyed the outdoors, he loved sharing it with family even more. He relished their successes: a first fly-rod trout, a first bow-hunted deer, a softball hit out of the park, or good grades on a report card. Whether in academics, sports, or fly fishing, he was always encouraging and supporting them to do their best and enjoy the rewards of doing well.

Skilled with a paintbrush and circular saw, he helped his kids with many home-improvement projects. Recently, he had been assisting Chris with wildlife habitat improvements at his new home along Trout Run Creek, planting and watering hundreds of trees.

A creative and accomplished fly tyer, Tom's black wet fly and orange scud nymph patterns were responsible for countless trout coming to the net. His tying vise produced thousands of flies, most of which eventually disappeared into one of his boys' or grandchildren's fly boxes.

Equally skilled at rod building, he recently completed a project he had started last winter: building a custom fly rod for each of his grandchildren, his son-in-law, and his children. He finished the final two rods only days ago.

Tom loved the outdoors, but above everything else, he loved his family. He would want you to take a kid fishing, observe the stream currents, and listen to the rhythm of the world of wild trout.

Tom is survived by his wife, Susan, of Eyota; his children, Christopher and Jolene Dornack and Corey and Kara Dornack, both of Chatfield, and Lisa and Seth Thomforde of Goodhue; and his grandchildren, Katelyn, Jack, and Flynn Dornack, Makenna, Lane, and Hadley Dornack, and Taylor, Tucker, and Truman Thomforde. He is also survived by his brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Steven and Debbie Erickson of Pilot Mound and their children: Chad (Annie), Kery (Kevin), and Seth (Jess) Erickson, He is preceded by his parents and nephew, Matthew Erickson.

And, in true Tom fashion, they were rarely called by their given names. To Grandpa, they were Katie Girl, Jacko, Flynner, Whammer Girl, Laner, Slammer Girl, The BIG PICKLE, The Tuck Man, and Trumy.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Sunday, August 16, 2026 from 1:00PM-3:00PM at Our Savior's Lutheran Church, 770 Robert Ave SW, Eyota, MN 55934. With a time of sharing at 2:00 PM. Schad and Zabel Funeral Home of Eyota is handling arrangements.