John E. McDonald's Obituary
John E. McDonald, age 91, passed away early Monday, July 13, 2020 at his home surrounded by his loving family. He was born September 14, 1928 in Hesperia, MI to George and Edna (Robart) McDonald and lived most of his life in the Muskegon area before moving to Montague in 2011. He was a faithful servant of our Lord and Savior and was a longtime member of Our Lady of Assumption and St. James Catholic Church. John was a proud veteran and served during the Korean War while in the US Army. He then joined the US Air Force after serving 4 years in the Army. John worked for the US Air Force in the Fire Department for 16 years before retiring in September 1968. On October 23, 1957, John married Frances Rodriguez in Ludington, MI. Together they cherished 62 years of marriage filled with wonderful memories. John truly enjoyed being active with keeping his faith and participating in his church’s Cursillo Catholic Retreat. He was a long-time volunteer for various food pantries and was also a life member at the VFW Post #3256 in Montague. He enjoyed watching Western movies and watched Wheel of Fortune nightly. He loved spending numerous hours fishing at White Lake and Pere Marquette. He also took pride in his yard and enjoyed sitting on his deck soaking up the sun or late-night bonfires. John was also a sports fanatic who enjoyed rooting on his Detroit Tigers and Lions. Above all things, he was a loving husband, devoted father, caring grandpa, wonderful great and great-great grandfather and dear friend. He was a loving man with a gentle-natured soul. He will be greatly missed. Survivors include his wife, Frances McDonald; 5 children, Cindy (Stanley Anastasiades) McDonald, Debbie Brown, Gilbert McDonald, Michael (Alice) McDonald and Kevin (Jeanette) McDonald; 23 grandchildren; 22 great-grandchildren; 2 great-great-grandchildren; 2 sisters, Joy Littell and Margaret (John) Virgo; many nieces and nephews and dear family and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents; 2 sisters, Jesse Beimer and Rebecca Justice; brother, Jim McDonald and grandson, Robbie. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday, July 17, 2020 at 2:00PM at St. James Catholic Church, 5149 Dowling St., Montague, MI 49437. Visitation with the family will be held on Thursday, July 16, 2020 from 6:00-8:00PM outside under the south portico at The Lee Chapel of Sytsema Funeral & Cremation Services, 6291 S. Harvey St, Norton Shores, MI 49444 with the holy rosary starting at 6:00PM. Memorial contributions in John’s honor may be directed to Our Lady of Assumption Food Pantry. Share memories with the family online at www.sytsemafh.com.
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