Tribute: Minnesota Law Mourns the Passing of Thomas Holloran ’55, an Early Executive at Medtronic and Long-Time Supporter of the Law School and University of St. Thomas
Thomas Holloran ’55 passed away on February 15, at age 94. Tom, an active supporter of the University of Minnesota Law School, grew up in south Minneapolis, attended Washburn High School, and earned a bachelor’s degree from the University of Minnesota. He served in the U.S. Naval Reserve from 1952-54 before starting his career at Wheeler and Fredrikson law firm, which evolved into Fredrikson & Byron, becoming a partner after two years.
While practicing law, he incorporated Medtronic in 1957 and later joined the company in executive roles serving as general counsel, executive vice president, and president. He worked at Medtronic from 1967-75 and served on its board of directors for 40 years. He then led the Inter-Regional Financial Group, parent of investment banking company RBC Dain-Rauscher, as chair and CEO from 1976-85.
Continuing in his role as a servant-leader and mentor, he was national president of the University of Minnesota Alumni Association as well as a teacher at the University of St. Thomas where he was an advisor in establishing UST’s law school. He inspired St. Thomas’ Holloran Center for Ethical Leadership.
In addition to his corporate leadership roles, Halloran served on numerous company boards including ADC Telecommunications, Malt-O-Meal, Polaris Industries, National City Bank, and Bank of America. He served as mayor of Shorewood, Minn., for three years and was on the Metropolitan Airports Commission for 10 years, including a three-year tenure as its chair.
Holloran's wife, Patty, survives him. The couple married in 1954 and would have celebrated a 70th wedding anniversary in June. His daughter, Anne Holloran, four grandchildren and two great-grandchildren also survive him. His daughter Mary passed away in 2017.
Thomas Holloran ’55