Photo courtesy of Cederberg Funeral Home of Frankenmuth
Frankenmuth, Michigan
Hon. Joseph R. McDonald
Frankenmuth, MI
The Honorable Judge Joseph McDonald passed away peacefully on Monday, February 27, 2017; age 93 years. Joseph was born on January 1, 1924 in Saginaw, MI to the late Joseph and Ruth McDonald. He graduated St. Mary’s High School in 1941 from which he later received the Honored Alumnus Award. Joseph served the U.S Military from 1942-1946, received an undergraduate and Law Degree from the University of Michigan, and served in various capacities for Saginaw County before he was elected as a Circuit Court Judge in 1968, retiring in 1991. Joseph was active in many legal associations especially The Michigan Judges Association where he served as president. He was also a member of Blessed Trinity Catholic Church.
Surviving are; his wife Phyllis Rummel of 47 years; sisters-in-law: Barb McDonald, Ellen Duff, Jane Kaes, Janet Rummel; brother-in-law: Gene (Judy) Rummel, and many nieces and nephews.
Joseph was preceded in death by his first wife Katie Cannon in 1964, sisters: Beryl, Marge, Rosemary, Dorothy, Geraldine, Nancy and Patricia; brothers: Arthur and Judge Gary.
Funeral Service will be held on Friday, March 3, 2017 at 11:00 a.m. at Blessed Trinity Catholic Church, 958 E. Tuscola Rd., Frankenmuth, MI. Fr. Robert Byrne will officiate with burial in Blessed Trinity Cemetery. Joseph’s family will receive visitors at Cederberg Funeral Home of Frankenmuth, 590 N. Franklin St. on Thursday from 2:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. and at church on Friday from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service. Those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to consider memorials to Blessed Trinity Catholic Church or charity of donor’s choice.
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Deputy William D. Taylor, ( Ret.)
I will always remember Judge J. McDonald, he was a man that I always admired for his ability to judge in a fair way. I have missed him over the many years.
William Taylor
February 22, 2021 | Saginaw, MI | Friend
I want to offer my sincere condolences to Mrs. Phyllis McDonald and the entire family. As a young prosecutor trying cases in the 80's, I served as Judge McDonald's docket attorney. He was one of my favorite judges. After trials he and I on many occasions would spend hours in chambers talking about the case and about life in general. I have never forgotten those times, and have always considered him a friend. He was a great person and I'm glad to that I had the chance to spend some time with...
March 07, 2017
Dear Phyllis: I am so sorry to hear of Joe's passing. He and my Dad were such a great pair! I so much enjoyed the time that we were able to spend together at some of the ABA events. Best wishes to all the family. Mary Alice Theiler
March 07, 2017
Phyllis & the Rummel family,
You have my sympathy for the death of another member of your family. I tried to send condolences to Gerald's family, but it was not published. I hope that Joseph died believing in Jesus as his Savior. Got to talk to Eugene on the St. Lorenz Male Choir trip to Germany in 2007. Phyllis, we were in the same grade school room in Teachers Sontag, Rummel, Rogner & Hahn room at St.Lorenz. You were always a lively person.
Waldemar Bergdolt
March 05, 2017 | Perryville, MO
Aunt Phyllis, both you and Uncle Bob were so warm and loving to the entire family. We think of you often and have many happy memories. Please take comfort in memories and love shared.
Jim and Joline Monaghan
March 03, 2017 | Brooklyn, MI
Dear Phyllis...you are in our thoughts and prayers
Michael and Nola Doak
March 01, 2017 | Ann Arbor
Dear Phyllis...you are in our thoughts and prayers.
Michael and Nola Doak
March 01, 2017 | Ann Arbor
I'm so very sorry to have heard of the passing of The Hornorable Joseph McDonald, my heart is very heavy at this untimely news, My name is William D Taylor, A Saginaw County Deputy Sheriff (Ret.) 1981-1998, I had the great honor of being in his court room many times, he in my mind was a very fair Judge and full of wisdom beyond his years, he will be greatly missed, my sympathy goes out to his wife and family.
William D. Taylor, Ret. Deputy Sheriff
March 01, 2017 | Atlanta, GA
What a wonderful man that I feel very lucky to have spent time with . Prayers to you Phyllis .
Love,
Renee Buchanan
February 28, 2017