Gerald James McDonald

Gerald (Jerry) James McDonald of Lake Orion, formerly of Riverview and Wyandotte, died peacefully on October 30, 2023 surrounded by his family. He was 86. Gerald was born in Wyandotte to Laurence and Winifred McDonald. Beloved husband of the late Colleen who proceeded him in death. Loving father of Joseph (Karen) McDonald, Daniel (Jill) McDonald and Maureen (Stephen) Olson; proud grandfather of Nathan (Abigail), Jennifer (Timothy), Gabrielle (James), Benjamin (Kristen), Brian (Caroline), Michael, Andrew, Kevin and Emily; great-grandfather of Marshall, Paige and Aurelia; dear brother of Colleen and the late Laurence (late Kitty), Kathleen, and Thomas. Brother-in-law of the late Marilyn (late Jack) Ryan. Son-in-law of the late Joseph and Christine Leksha.
Jerry grew up in Wyandotte, Michigan where he attended St. Patrick high school. He graduated from the University of Detroit with an engineering degree and later earned a MBA from Michigan State University. He worked his entire career at Detroit Edison where he was a Director of Engineering. He retired at 59.
Jerry was a lover of life, with his greatest love being of his wife, Colleen and the family they created. Together they made a wonderful life filled with travel, weekends spent at their cottage, and winters at their condo in Florida. He was especially proud of his children and grandchildren and the values and skills he passed along to them. He loved attending their sporting events and hearing about their many adventures.
Jerry was an avid boater and enjoyed water skiing, fishing, and teaching all of his children and grandchildren to do both. He loved to play cards and enjoyed many games with his cousins, siblings, and his widowed friends group. He had long lasting friendships with his hunt club and high school friends. Jerry lived in the same home on the lake for the past 43 years and enjoyed a neighborhood filled with friendship. He was an active volunteer at his parish, Christ the Redeemer. Jerry was proud of his Irish heritage and will be remembered for his smiling Irish eyes.
A funeral mass will be held on Friday, November 10, 2023 – 11 a.m. with instate at 10:30 a.m. at Christ the Redeemer Church, 2700 Waldon Rd., Lake Orion. The family will receive family and friends on Thursday, November 9, 2023 from 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. with a prayer service and sharing of memories - 7 p.m. at the Modetz Funeral Home, 100 E. Silverbell Rd., Orion. Suggested memorials may be made to the Order of Friars Minor Capuchin or Hospice of Michigan.