Donald James McDonald, age 90, of Annandale, died Thursday, November 8, 2018, while under hospice at the Annandale Care Center knowing he was deeply loved.
Memorial Services will be held 11:00 a.m. Saturday, November 17, 2018 at St. John’s Lutheran Church, Annandale with Rev. Dave Nelson officiating. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service on Saturday at the church. Burial with military honors will held at 11:00 am. on Monday, November 19, 2018 at the Minnesota State Veterans Cemetery, Little Falls.
Donald James McDonald was born April 20, 1928 in Minneapolis, Minnesota to James and Austia (Todd) McDonald. As a young boy, Don moved with his family to Sebeka, where he graduated high school in 1945. After his early graduation, Don honorably served his country at the age of 16 during WWII as a Merchant Marine and then after that, the Navy. Don was stationed in the Philippine Islands, as well as Iwo Jima. Upon his discharge, Don furthered his education at St. Cloud State where he obtained his bachelor’s degree. He then attended Dunwoody Institute for 2 years where he learned the trade of architectural drafting and estimating. Don went to work in sales for API Inc. for 5 years, before spending the next 29 ½ years as a self-employed general contractor for UNSCO, Inc. - On June 19, 1987, Don was united in marriage to Sandra Joanne Wallace in Golden Valley, Minnesota. Don was a member of the Masons, Shriners, and Minneapolis Optimist Club. His hobbies included painting with water colors, playing the harmonica, and being active outdoors. Don was never one to shy away from social gatherings, whether it be with friends or family.
Don is survived by his wife of 31 years, Sandy of Annandale; children, Eileen Roloff of Spokane, WA, Lynn (Damon) Peterson of Blaine, Jon (Sandy) McDonald of Hovland, and Jim (Becky) McDonald of Bloomington; step-children, Jackie (Dave) Gonyea of Minnetonka and Paul (Sandie) Chevalier of Minnetonka; 19 grandchildren; 21 great grandchildren; and other extended family members and friends. Don was preceded in death by his parents and brother, Wilbur.
Obituary courtesy of Dingmann Funeral Care, Annandale, Minnesota
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Eulogy written and read at funeral service by his son Jon:
We are here this morning to celebrate the life of a wonderful man, my dad, Don McDonald.
Thank you so much to all of you who have joined our family today to say goodbye to him.
Even now I am sure he is looking down from heaven at us with that incredible smile of his.
Dad was born in Minneapolis in 1928 but soon his parents, my grandparents, moved to Sebeka Minnesota where they farmed for the rest of their lives. Although dad left the farm at a very young age his ties to the family and the area remained strong throughout his life, including the tradition of hunting deer there every fall. A tradition that his nephew, Steve McDonald carries on to this day.
Dad was always a businessman. After working in construction material sales for a few years he started his own company in 1965 at the age of 37 specializing in constructing concrete tunnels for steam lines at college and hospital campuses in Minnesota, Wisconsin and Iowa. It was during this period that he obtained his private pilots license to fly to the job sites. He first owned a Cessna and then a Beechcraft Bonanza. He recently told me that the Beechcraft was his favorite. In later years he transitioned into other types of construction. I had the privilege to work with him in the eighties and early nineties.
No other person has inspired me, my brother and sisters more in our lives than dad has. He truly was the most optimistic person we have ever known. It was something that was ingrained in him, a part of who he was. As natural to him as breathing. I never remember hearing him complain about anything or say anything negative about anyone. He always saw the good in every situation and in every person.
My brother and sisters all agree that we had a wonderfully happy childhood in large part due to our mom and dad’s positive attitudes. As children we did not fully realize how fortunate we were but we sure do now. Some of our best memories with dad were coming out here to Annandale in the 60’s to stay at Shady Lawn Resort on Pleasant Lake and later spending time at our cabin in Hackensack Minnesota where dad would fly up on weekends. We also would occasionally hop on his plane on sunny Sunday afternoons to go for a quick flight out of the Crystal airport.
Even after our parents divorced in the early 70’s dad was always there for us with daily phone calls and frequent visits. That is something he did for 45 years. Again, one of those things that you do not fully appreciate until you are older looking back at it.
For years I have had attached to the lower right corner of my computer monitor the letters WWDD. It is a spin on WWJD, What Would Jesus Do, but my letters stand for What Would Dad Do. There have been many times through the years whether in business or personal life that I have asked myself What Would Dad Do in this situation and this helps to guide me.
He was a true renaissance man, always learning and exploring new things, even well into his eighties. In his life he has been a private pilot, a boater, an artist, a traveler, a harmonica player, an avid reader, a lover of history, hunter and fisherman among many other interests. I have heard many times from his wife Sandy how he would submerge himself into whatever area they were living in or visiting to get to know the culture and the people there, not just the winter snowbirds but the locals too, perhaps especially the locals. He lived, loved, enjoyed and experienced life more in his ninety years than many people could do in ten lifetimes. In the end I think his body just got plain worn out from all of the living he did. What a life it was though!
Dad took up watercolor painting when he was in his late sixties.
Some of his paintings are on display here today. There are quite a few of his paintings dispersed throughout our family that we will cherish forever.
Now for his wife Sandy, his angel on earth, soulmate and love of his life. They came together later in life but have been as one for over thirty years now experiencing together most of the things I mentioned earlier.
I call her his angel on earth because when dad first started experiencing symptoms of dementia a few years ago she devoted her life into making sure he had the best medical care available as well as being his loving caregiver. My brother, sisters and I are convinced that dad has made it to ninety and with a good quality of life because of her and her love for him.
Dad and Sandy shared a strong Christian faith together that has helped them through some difficult times these past few years. Dad loved you so truly and deeply Sandy and we love you too.
Goodbye dad. Keep on smiling…….
Memorial Services will be held 11:00 a.m. Saturday, November 17, 2018 at St. John’s Lutheran Church, Annandale with Rev. Dave Nelson officiating. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service on Saturday at the church. Burial with military honors will held at 11:00 am. on Monday, November 19, 2018 at the Minnesota State Veterans Cemetery, Little Falls.
Donald James McDonald was born April 20, 1928 in Minneapolis, Minnesota to James and Austia (Todd) McDonald. As a young boy, Don moved with his family to Sebeka, where he graduated high school in 1945. After his early graduation, Don honorably served his country at the age of 16 during WWII as a Merchant Marine and then after that, the Navy. Don was stationed in the Philippine Islands, as well as Iwo Jima. Upon his discharge, Don furthered his education at St. Cloud State where he obtained his bachelor’s degree. He then attended Dunwoody Institute for 2 years where he learned the trade of architectural drafting and estimating. Don went to work in sales for API Inc. for 5 years, before spending the next 29 ½ years as a self-employed general contractor for UNSCO, Inc. - On June 19, 1987, Don was united in marriage to Sandra Joanne Wallace in Golden Valley, Minnesota. Don was a member of the Masons, Shriners, and Minneapolis Optimist Club. His hobbies included painting with water colors, playing the harmonica, and being active outdoors. Don was never one to shy away from social gatherings, whether it be with friends or family.
Don is survived by his wife of 31 years, Sandy of Annandale; children, Eileen Roloff of Spokane, WA, Lynn (Damon) Peterson of Blaine, Jon (Sandy) McDonald of Hovland, and Jim (Becky) McDonald of Bloomington; step-children, Jackie (Dave) Gonyea of Minnetonka and Paul (Sandie) Chevalier of Minnetonka; 19 grandchildren; 21 great grandchildren; and other extended family members and friends. Don was preceded in death by his parents and brother, Wilbur.
Obituary courtesy of Dingmann Funeral Care, Annandale, Minnesota
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Eulogy written and read at funeral service by his son Jon:
We are here this morning to celebrate the life of a wonderful man, my dad, Don McDonald.
Thank you so much to all of you who have joined our family today to say goodbye to him.
Even now I am sure he is looking down from heaven at us with that incredible smile of his.
Dad was born in Minneapolis in 1928 but soon his parents, my grandparents, moved to Sebeka Minnesota where they farmed for the rest of their lives. Although dad left the farm at a very young age his ties to the family and the area remained strong throughout his life, including the tradition of hunting deer there every fall. A tradition that his nephew, Steve McDonald carries on to this day.
Dad was always a businessman. After working in construction material sales for a few years he started his own company in 1965 at the age of 37 specializing in constructing concrete tunnels for steam lines at college and hospital campuses in Minnesota, Wisconsin and Iowa. It was during this period that he obtained his private pilots license to fly to the job sites. He first owned a Cessna and then a Beechcraft Bonanza. He recently told me that the Beechcraft was his favorite. In later years he transitioned into other types of construction. I had the privilege to work with him in the eighties and early nineties.
No other person has inspired me, my brother and sisters more in our lives than dad has. He truly was the most optimistic person we have ever known. It was something that was ingrained in him, a part of who he was. As natural to him as breathing. I never remember hearing him complain about anything or say anything negative about anyone. He always saw the good in every situation and in every person.
My brother and sisters all agree that we had a wonderfully happy childhood in large part due to our mom and dad’s positive attitudes. As children we did not fully realize how fortunate we were but we sure do now. Some of our best memories with dad were coming out here to Annandale in the 60’s to stay at Shady Lawn Resort on Pleasant Lake and later spending time at our cabin in Hackensack Minnesota where dad would fly up on weekends. We also would occasionally hop on his plane on sunny Sunday afternoons to go for a quick flight out of the Crystal airport.
Even after our parents divorced in the early 70’s dad was always there for us with daily phone calls and frequent visits. That is something he did for 45 years. Again, one of those things that you do not fully appreciate until you are older looking back at it.
For years I have had attached to the lower right corner of my computer monitor the letters WWDD. It is a spin on WWJD, What Would Jesus Do, but my letters stand for What Would Dad Do. There have been many times through the years whether in business or personal life that I have asked myself What Would Dad Do in this situation and this helps to guide me.
He was a true renaissance man, always learning and exploring new things, even well into his eighties. In his life he has been a private pilot, a boater, an artist, a traveler, a harmonica player, an avid reader, a lover of history, hunter and fisherman among many other interests. I have heard many times from his wife Sandy how he would submerge himself into whatever area they were living in or visiting to get to know the culture and the people there, not just the winter snowbirds but the locals too, perhaps especially the locals. He lived, loved, enjoyed and experienced life more in his ninety years than many people could do in ten lifetimes. In the end I think his body just got plain worn out from all of the living he did. What a life it was though!
Dad took up watercolor painting when he was in his late sixties.
Some of his paintings are on display here today. There are quite a few of his paintings dispersed throughout our family that we will cherish forever.
Now for his wife Sandy, his angel on earth, soulmate and love of his life. They came together later in life but have been as one for over thirty years now experiencing together most of the things I mentioned earlier.
I call her his angel on earth because when dad first started experiencing symptoms of dementia a few years ago she devoted her life into making sure he had the best medical care available as well as being his loving caregiver. My brother, sisters and I are convinced that dad has made it to ninety and with a good quality of life because of her and her love for him.
Dad and Sandy shared a strong Christian faith together that has helped them through some difficult times these past few years. Dad loved you so truly and deeply Sandy and we love you too.
Goodbye dad. Keep on smiling…….
Donald James McDonald, age 90, of Annandale, died Thursday, November 8, 2018, while under hospice at the Annandale Care Center knowing he was deeply loved.
Memorial Services will be held 11:00 a.m. Saturday, November 17, 2018 at St. John’s Lutheran Church, Annandale with Rev. Dave Nelson officiating. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service on Saturday at the church. Burial with military honors will held at 11:00 am. on Monday, November 19, 2018 at the Minnesota State Veterans Cemetery, Little Falls.
Donald James McDonald was born April 20, 1928 in Minneapolis, Minnesota to James and Austia (Todd) McDonald. As a young boy, Don moved with his family to Sebeka, where he graduated high school in 1945. After his early graduation, Don honorably served his country at the age of 16 during WWII as a Merchant Marine and then after that, the Navy. Don was stationed in the Philippine Islands, as well as Iwo Jima. Upon his discharge, Don furthered his education at St. Cloud State where he obtained his bachelor’s degree. He then attended Dunwoody Institute for 2 years where he learned the trade of architectural drafting and estimating. Don went to work in sales for API Inc. for 5 years, before spending the next 29 ½ years as a self-employed general contractor for UNSCO, Inc. - On June 19, 1987, Don was united in marriage to Sandra Joanne Wallace in Golden Valley, Minnesota. Don was a member of the Masons, Shriners, and Minneapolis Optimist Club. His hobbies included painting with water colors, playing the harmonica, and being active outdoors. Don was never one to shy away from social gatherings, whether it be with friends or family.
Don is survived by his wife of 31 years, Sandy of Annandale; children, Eileen Roloff of Spokane, WA, Lynn (Damon) Peterson of Blaine, Jon (Sandy) McDonald of Hovland, and Jim (Becky) McDonald of Bloomington; step-children, Jackie (Dave) Gonyea of Minnetonka and Paul (Sandie) Chevalier of Minnetonka; 19 grandchildren; 21 great grandchildren; and other extended family members and friends. Don was preceded in death by his parents and brother, Wilbur.
Obituary courtesy of Dingmann Funeral Care, Annandale, Minnesota
_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
Eulogy written and read at funeral service by his son Jon:
We are here this morning to celebrate the life of a wonderful man, my dad, Don McDonald.
Thank you so much to all of you who have joined our family today to say goodbye to him.
Even now I am sure he is looking down from heaven at us with that incredible smile of his.
Dad was born in Minneapolis in 1928 but soon his parents, my grandparents, moved to Sebeka Minnesota where they farmed for the rest of their lives. Although dad left the farm at a very young age his ties to the family and the area remained strong throughout his life, including the tradition of hunting deer there every fall. A tradition that his nephew, Steve McDonald carries on to this day.
Dad was always a businessman. After working in construction material sales for a few years he started his own company in 1965 at the age of 37 specializing in constructing concrete tunnels for steam lines at college and hospital campuses in Minnesota, Wisconsin and Iowa. It was during this period that he obtained his private pilots license to fly to the job sites. He first owned a Cessna and then a Beechcraft Bonanza. He recently told me that the Beechcraft was his favorite. In later years he transitioned into other types of construction. I had the privilege to work with him in the eighties and early nineties.
No other person has inspired me, my brother and sisters more in our lives than dad has. He truly was the most optimistic person we have ever known. It was something that was ingrained in him, a part of who he was. As natural to him as breathing. I never remember hearing him complain about anything or say anything negative about anyone. He always saw the good in every situation and in every person.
My brother and sisters all agree that we had a wonderfully happy childhood in large part due to our mom and dad’s positive attitudes. As children we did not fully realize how fortunate we were but we sure do now. Some of our best memories with dad were coming out here to Annandale in the 60’s to stay at Shady Lawn Resort on Pleasant Lake and later spending time at our cabin in Hackensack Minnesota where dad would fly up on weekends. We also would occasionally hop on his plane on sunny Sunday afternoons to go for a quick flight out of the Crystal airport.
Even after our parents divorced in the early 70’s dad was always there for us with daily phone calls and frequent visits. That is something he did for 45 years. Again, one of those things that you do not fully appreciate until you are older looking back at it.
For years I have had attached to the lower right corner of my computer monitor the letters WWDD. It is a spin on WWJD, What Would Jesus Do, but my letters stand for What Would Dad Do. There have been many times through the years whether in business or personal life that I have asked myself What Would Dad Do in this situation and this helps to guide me.
He was a true renaissance man, always learning and exploring new things, even well into his eighties. In his life he has been a private pilot, a boater, an artist, a traveler, a harmonica player, an avid reader, a lover of history, hunter and fisherman among many other interests. I have heard many times from his wife Sandy how he would submerge himself into whatever area they were living in or visiting to get to know the culture and the people there, not just the winter snowbirds but the locals too, perhaps especially the locals. He lived, loved, enjoyed and experienced life more in his ninety years than many people could do in ten lifetimes. In the end I think his body just got plain worn out from all of the living he did. What a life it was though!
Dad took up watercolor painting when he was in his late sixties.
Some of his paintings are on display here today. There are quite a few of his paintings dispersed throughout our family that we will cherish forever.
Now for his wife Sandy, his angel on earth, soulmate and love of his life. They came together later in life but have been as one for over thirty years now experiencing together most of the things I mentioned earlier.
I call her his angel on earth because when dad first started experiencing symptoms of dementia a few years ago she devoted her life into making sure he had the best medical care available as well as being his loving caregiver. My brother, sisters and I are convinced that dad has made it to ninety and with a good quality of life because of her and her love for him.
Dad and Sandy shared a strong Christian faith together that has helped them through some difficult times these past few years. Dad loved you so truly and deeply Sandy and we love you too.
Goodbye dad. Keep on smiling…….
Memorial Services will be held 11:00 a.m. Saturday, November 17, 2018 at St. John’s Lutheran Church, Annandale with Rev. Dave Nelson officiating. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service on Saturday at the church. Burial with military honors will held at 11:00 am. on Monday, November 19, 2018 at the Minnesota State Veterans Cemetery, Little Falls.
Donald James McDonald was born April 20, 1928 in Minneapolis, Minnesota to James and Austia (Todd) McDonald. As a young boy, Don moved with his family to Sebeka, where he graduated high school in 1945. After his early graduation, Don honorably served his country at the age of 16 during WWII as a Merchant Marine and then after that, the Navy. Don was stationed in the Philippine Islands, as well as Iwo Jima. Upon his discharge, Don furthered his education at St. Cloud State where he obtained his bachelor’s degree. He then attended Dunwoody Institute for 2 years where he learned the trade of architectural drafting and estimating. Don went to work in sales for API Inc. for 5 years, before spending the next 29 ½ years as a self-employed general contractor for UNSCO, Inc. - On June 19, 1987, Don was united in marriage to Sandra Joanne Wallace in Golden Valley, Minnesota. Don was a member of the Masons, Shriners, and Minneapolis Optimist Club. His hobbies included painting with water colors, playing the harmonica, and being active outdoors. Don was never one to shy away from social gatherings, whether it be with friends or family.
Don is survived by his wife of 31 years, Sandy of Annandale; children, Eileen Roloff of Spokane, WA, Lynn (Damon) Peterson of Blaine, Jon (Sandy) McDonald of Hovland, and Jim (Becky) McDonald of Bloomington; step-children, Jackie (Dave) Gonyea of Minnetonka and Paul (Sandie) Chevalier of Minnetonka; 19 grandchildren; 21 great grandchildren; and other extended family members and friends. Don was preceded in death by his parents and brother, Wilbur.
Obituary courtesy of Dingmann Funeral Care, Annandale, Minnesota
_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
Eulogy written and read at funeral service by his son Jon:
We are here this morning to celebrate the life of a wonderful man, my dad, Don McDonald.
Thank you so much to all of you who have joined our family today to say goodbye to him.
Even now I am sure he is looking down from heaven at us with that incredible smile of his.
Dad was born in Minneapolis in 1928 but soon his parents, my grandparents, moved to Sebeka Minnesota where they farmed for the rest of their lives. Although dad left the farm at a very young age his ties to the family and the area remained strong throughout his life, including the tradition of hunting deer there every fall. A tradition that his nephew, Steve McDonald carries on to this day.
Dad was always a businessman. After working in construction material sales for a few years he started his own company in 1965 at the age of 37 specializing in constructing concrete tunnels for steam lines at college and hospital campuses in Minnesota, Wisconsin and Iowa. It was during this period that he obtained his private pilots license to fly to the job sites. He first owned a Cessna and then a Beechcraft Bonanza. He recently told me that the Beechcraft was his favorite. In later years he transitioned into other types of construction. I had the privilege to work with him in the eighties and early nineties.
No other person has inspired me, my brother and sisters more in our lives than dad has. He truly was the most optimistic person we have ever known. It was something that was ingrained in him, a part of who he was. As natural to him as breathing. I never remember hearing him complain about anything or say anything negative about anyone. He always saw the good in every situation and in every person.
My brother and sisters all agree that we had a wonderfully happy childhood in large part due to our mom and dad’s positive attitudes. As children we did not fully realize how fortunate we were but we sure do now. Some of our best memories with dad were coming out here to Annandale in the 60’s to stay at Shady Lawn Resort on Pleasant Lake and later spending time at our cabin in Hackensack Minnesota where dad would fly up on weekends. We also would occasionally hop on his plane on sunny Sunday afternoons to go for a quick flight out of the Crystal airport.
Even after our parents divorced in the early 70’s dad was always there for us with daily phone calls and frequent visits. That is something he did for 45 years. Again, one of those things that you do not fully appreciate until you are older looking back at it.
For years I have had attached to the lower right corner of my computer monitor the letters WWDD. It is a spin on WWJD, What Would Jesus Do, but my letters stand for What Would Dad Do. There have been many times through the years whether in business or personal life that I have asked myself What Would Dad Do in this situation and this helps to guide me.
He was a true renaissance man, always learning and exploring new things, even well into his eighties. In his life he has been a private pilot, a boater, an artist, a traveler, a harmonica player, an avid reader, a lover of history, hunter and fisherman among many other interests. I have heard many times from his wife Sandy how he would submerge himself into whatever area they were living in or visiting to get to know the culture and the people there, not just the winter snowbirds but the locals too, perhaps especially the locals. He lived, loved, enjoyed and experienced life more in his ninety years than many people could do in ten lifetimes. In the end I think his body just got plain worn out from all of the living he did. What a life it was though!
Dad took up watercolor painting when he was in his late sixties.
Some of his paintings are on display here today. There are quite a few of his paintings dispersed throughout our family that we will cherish forever.
Now for his wife Sandy, his angel on earth, soulmate and love of his life. They came together later in life but have been as one for over thirty years now experiencing together most of the things I mentioned earlier.
I call her his angel on earth because when dad first started experiencing symptoms of dementia a few years ago she devoted her life into making sure he had the best medical care available as well as being his loving caregiver. My brother, sisters and I are convinced that dad has made it to ninety and with a good quality of life because of her and her love for him.
Dad and Sandy shared a strong Christian faith together that has helped them through some difficult times these past few years. Dad loved you so truly and deeply Sandy and we love you too.
Goodbye dad. Keep on smiling…….
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