John C. McDonald

John C. McDonald, age 93 of Wisconsin Rapids, went to be with his wife Therese on Tuesday, January 17, 2023 at the Waterford in Wisconsin Rapids.

Services will be at 1:30 p.m. on Thursday, January 19, 2023, at Herman-Taylor Funeral Home. Visitation will be from 10:00 am until the time of services at the funeral home. Private burial with military honors will be at Arlington Cemetery in Milwaukee, WI at a later date.

John was born October 18, 1929, in Milwaukee to Charles and Evelyn (Goetz) McDonald.  He married Therese Guenette on December 22, 1951, in Schaefer, MI. They were blessed with 72 years of marriage until her passing on December, 31, 2022.

John proudly served his country in US Army as a paratrooper during the Korean conflict, completing 19 jumps. He was a founding partner in Northern Steel Castings Foundry in Wisconsin Rapids working there for over 25 years.  In his earlier years he was a speed skater also teaching his children to skate. John also enjoyed snowmobiles, he helped restore a 1969 669 TNT Ski-Doo. He also enjoyed auto racing especially midget cars. He was known for his craftsmanship of traditional long bows. John loved the outdoors, especially spending time with his wife Therese and their family at their cabin in Butternut. John loved eating Therese ‘s chocolate chip cookies just as much as she loved baking them.  

John is survived by his loving children: Kathleen (Gregory) Skerven, John R. (Margy) McDonald, Jean (Rock) Irving, Dennis (Lori) McDonald, David (Brenda) McDonald; grandchildren: Heather, Erin, Karen, John M., Travis, Crystal, Amber, Mindy, Alaina, Jennifer, Kristin, Emily, Nick, and Kate; 21 great-grandchildren; special daughter-in-law Sheri McGinnis; niece and nephew, Dona (Michael Spencer) Haske and Robert (Sharon) Haske.

He was preceded in death by his loving wife Therese; sister, Margaret (Robert) Haske and his grandson Robert “Bucky” Skerven.

The family would like to express a heartfelt Thank you to friends Lisa Sommerfeldt and Rhoda King and the staff of the Waterford for their exceptional care of Dad and Mom during their stay there.

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