John F. "The Great" McDonald Sr.
Milwaukee - Born to Eternal Life November 3, 2019, age 80 years. Beloved husband of Laurel (nee Koeske). Dear father of John F. Jr. (Jennifer), Patrick J. (Wendy), the late Lisa Marie, and the late Kirk McDonald. Proud and loving grandfather of Breanna, Patrick J. II, Madeline and the late John Patrick McDonald. Loving great-grandfather of Ryder. Fond brother of James J. (Juanita) McDonald III and Judith Ann Roberge. Also survived by nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and many friends. Preceded in death by his parents James J. II and Dorothy McDonald.
John was an avid sports-fan and attended any activity his grandkids were in. He was born in New Hampshire growing up a Red Sox fan, but he then became a big Brewers fan. John was a proud Navy veteran whose remains will be buried at sea. The Great McDonald loved to repair and service laundry equipment, and enjoyed conversing with customers like an old wash woman.
Visitation Monday, November 11, from 4-7 PM at the Funeral Home with a Funeral Service at 7 PM. In lieu of flowers, memorials to the Stars and Stripes Honor Flight of Wisconsin would be appreciated.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Sponsored by Schramka Funeral Home - Brookfield.
Mac, you will forever be in our hearts and you will always be The Great McDonald.
Bill and Cora Quin
February 15, 2020
Lighting a candle today in honor of the Great McDonald's 81st birthday. Now that all the washers and dryers in heaven are repaired, he and Jack can sit back on a cloud and play the slots to their hearts' content.
Lori Hudlett
November 25, 2019
Taking time out of the day to remember....
Joe Hudlett
November 22, 2019
Charles Haig
November 20, 2019
I was planning on attending service this evening but the weather seems to put a crimp in those plans.
John was a great guy and I am sorry to learn of his death. He fixed about everything in my house that could be fixed including some things that were not broken.
Our mutual friend Dick Bond also left us recently so really is the passing of an era.
My sympathy to his family
Mike Guerin
November 11, 2019
I enjoyed talking to John while he repaired our various washers and dryers over the many decades. I wish we had someone as great as John. There is no one out there like him. God bless his family with my deepest sympathy.
Dotti Binder
November 10, 2019
John was a fun-loving guy who loved people & partying. He loved helping people, especially repairing appliances. Our whole family remembers John & Laurel from church. John Jr. & Patrick babysat for our children on numerous occasions. Patrick was one of my most memorable and advanced students in 5th grade at St. Philip Neri Catholic School. We hope John will greet us with open arms as we arrive in God's kingdom.
We offer our most heartfelt condolences to his family, especially Laurel, John & Patrick. Also condolences to the daughters-in-law and grandchildren. May our blessed Lord hold each of you in the palm of His hand and bring peace to you each & every day when you feel the emptiness from your loss. God is always good & always provides us with the power to overcome any adversities in our lives. We regret we are unable to attend the services but will remember all of you in thoughts and prayer. Praise God for John's selfless service to our country!
Marjorie & Joseph Ziolkowski
Joe, Ryan & Briana
Marjorie & Joseph Ziolkowski
Friend
November 8, 2019
Marjorie & Joseph Ziolkowski
November 8, 2019
John,
We will miss you!! You would respond to all our laundry calls with such vigor and promptness! You always asked how we were doing and we would talk about politics, people we knew, and our families!! You even came to visit me at Froedert when I was receiving treatment for Leukemia. I loved hearing your stories through the years. Thank you for all the wonderful service and friendship! You have led a full and wonderful life and we are proud that we were part of it!!
Wendy Wasserman
November 7, 2019
Oh, John.... What can I say we met and bonded in 1980 but haven't been to close for the last couple of years. Always fast to respond to my laundry problems and fun at the Baseball games and the quiet times at dinner with the wives. I'll never forget the break-in, in the middle of the night (one call that's all) he arrived in about 30 minutes to solve a problem. Just thinking of you brings a smile.
Thinking of you and the whole family,
Neil Sattler
November 6, 2019
John Mc Donald was a remarkable man and a beloved friend kind g and generous and a humble Irishman REST IN PEACE John Love Mike Anderson Village Valet Cleaners
November 6, 2019
To the McDonald family, from the Van Kirk family:
All of you are in our prayers. We have many cherished memories of John. He was always quickly there when we called. He helped solve many repair problems for us. We remember him laying on the basement floor fixing the wash machine or dryer. We remember him from St. Philip Neri. We remember Kirk as a good friend of our daughter Julie. Laurel worked with us at bingo many Friday nights. Even though we are far apart these days, we will never forget John or the McDonald family. God Bless you all from Bob and Mary Van Kirk, now living in Shawano, Wisconsin, and getting old too! Much love!
Robert & Mary Van Kirk
November 6, 2019
We are so sorry for your loss. All of you are in our thoughts and prayers. Sincerely, the Driscoll Family
Amy Driscoll
November 6, 2019
May the road rise to meet you,
May the wind be always at your back.
May the sun shine warm upon your face.
May the rain fall softly upon your fields until we meet again,
And may God hold you in the hollow of his hand.
Joe Woods
November 5, 2019
A true champion with a great heart. He would drop everything at a moment's notice to help anyone out. I believe he could repair anything. Infectious personality with a unique sense of humor. Cherished memories of growing up with the 62nd Streeters (you know who you all are), John was like a 2nd father.
Joe Hudlett
Friend
November 5, 2019
Truly one of a kind. True Champion of a person, with an infectious personality. Always ready to drop everything at a moment's notice to help anyone out. Memories living across the street growing up with the 62nd Streeters (you know who you all are), he was like a 2nd father.
Joe Hudlett
November 5, 2019
The nicest thing my husband and I ever did for ourselves was to buy a house in Milwaukee directly across the street from John and Laurel. Each having three boys of similar ages we bonded immediately and that bond has lasted since 1978. We have traveled together, laughed together and cried together. John will always be remembered as the man willing to help anyone at any time with any problem or project. He could be in a strange city and strike up a conversation with anyone walking by. At hotels he always wanted to check out their laundry equipment (especially in Branson, Missouri). He was also known for losing things from tools to clothing to money clips to CD's, hearing aids and more. I treasured him as a friend and hold Laurel and her family close to my heart. We Hudlett's are here for all of you.
Lori Hudlett
November 5, 2019
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Schramka Funeral Home - Brookfield13220 West Capitol Drive, Brookfield, WI 53005
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Schramka Funeral Home - Brookfield13220 West Capitol Drive, Brookfield, WI 53005
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Schramka Funeral Home - Brookfield13220 West Capitol Drive, Brookfield, WI 53005
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