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John Alexander McDonald
John Alexander McDonald
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John McDonald Obituary
Obituary
John Alexander McDonald, 80, Grand Forks, North Dakota, died Tuesday, September 28, 2004 at Altru Hospital in Grand Forks.
John Alexander McDonald was born June 27, 1924 in Grand Forks, North Dakota, the son of Alexander and Stella McDonald. He grew up in Grand Forks and attended St. Mary's Catholic School, Grand Forks Central and the University of North Dakota. John served in the United States Army in World War II in the 5th Army 3133rd Signal Service Company in Italy. On January 6, 1950 he married Geraldine Bosard and they made their home in Grand Forks. He operated McDonalds Clothing Company with his brother, Stuart McDonald and brother-in-law, Bill Hill until 1978. He then worked for Fladland Insurance and later for Froelich Paulson and Moore Insurance until 2002. John served as the president of the Grand Forks Chamber of Commerce, as Chairman of the United Hospital Board, as a Charter member of Holy Family Parish and President of the Holy Family Home and School Association. He was an avid supporter of University of North Dakota arts and athletics. John was preceded in death by his parents and his sister, Donna. He is survived by his wife, Geraldine; sons, David McDonald, Minneapolis, Douglas (Wanda) McDonald, Grand Forks, Duncan (Melanie) McDonald, Grand Forks; daughters, Barbara (Burt) Repine, San Diego, Elizabeth (Robert) Gibb, Fargo and Patricia (Thomas) Strom, Fargo; grandchildren, Angela Sepe, Fargo, Joseph Sepe, Fargo, Kathleen Repine, San Diego and Mathew Strom, Fargo; his brother, Stuart (Ann) McDonald, Newburgh, Indiana; sisters, Ruth (Bill) Hill, Grand Forks and Marjorie (Dallas) Downs, Los Angeles. Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:00 a.m. Saturday, October 2, 2004 in Holy Family Catholic Church of Grand Forks. Visitation will be Friday from 5 to 7:00 p.m. with a 7:00 p.m. prayer service in Amundson Funeral Home of Grand Forks. Visitation will continue for the hour before the service in the church. Burial will be in Calvary Cemetery of Grand Forks. Military honors will be performed by the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1874 Arrangements are with Amundson Funeral Home of Grand Forks. www.amundson funeralhome.com
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Ted Jelliff
October 8, 2004
We were so sorry to read of John's death when we returned from our trip to Michigan. I have many fond memories of working with John in the McDonald's clothing store when I was a college student. Our sympathies to all of the family. Ted and Jan Jelliff
Gerald Reilly
October 6, 2004
My thoughts and prayers go out to the entire McDonald Family. John McDonald will be missed and remembered by many! I will miss his in-depth Interviews of me, whenever I was able to make one of my infrequent visits. Take care and God bless.
Pat Reilly
October 3, 2004
This World lost another great man, father, scholar and gentle human being. He will be missed by all who knew him. My condolence to everyone is from my heart, and wish I could be there. Love from Pat and Brock Reilly
Kaia Ottersen
October 3, 2004
Aunt Jerry, David, Barbara, Elizabeth, Doug, Duncan, and Patricia. We are so sorry to hear about John. He was a good man who will be missed by many. I hope you all take some comfort in knowing he is in a good place, surrounded by good friends and that he lived a long and happy life filled with a special loving and caring family. Love, Kaia, Bunch, Guy,Riley, and Crystal
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mike ford
October 1, 2004
To Gerry,Doug,and the rest of your family who have been so close to our family for years. My wife and I were so saddened by the news of your fathers passing.When I called Doug on wednesday I told him that I had just been thinking of his father and how I had intended on visiting him when I got back up to Grand Forks late this october.Doug,your father was a special person to all of us. I will always remember how he was with me after my dad died.He was very subtle but I knew he would be there for our family if we needed him to be.Our thoughts and our prayers go out to your entire family. Please let us know if there is anything we can do. See you later this month. The Fords.
Mike Norgart
October 1, 2004
Trish,
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Kathy Ford
September 30, 2004
To the entire McDonald family:
It was very sad to hear the news of John's death. He was an amazing individual who contributed so much to the community as well as being a terrific friend to our family for decades.
He had such a wonderful spirit and terrific sense of humor. He will be greatly missed but always in our hearts.
Kathy Ford
JoAnne McErlane
September 30, 2004
Zub and Trish, I wanted to let you both know how sad I am to hear about the death of your father. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this most difficult time.
philip (martin) martsolf
September 30, 2004
I just wanted to send my condolences to the family of Mr. Mcdonald. I was a neighbor to his family from 1980-93 till i moved out, my family remains a neighbor. I always enjoyed visiting with the Mcdonalds, you guys are awesome people. As a child I remember always going over to the Mcdonalds house and saying hello and they would give me alittle candy, It meant alot to have someone to talk to as a kid. I would always see Mr. Mcdonald walking the dogs, he enjoyed that. He will be missed dearly. He was a a awesome dear neighbor and friend. thanks... Martin
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