John Dennis McDonald
John Dennis McDonald
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John was born in Sioux City, Iowa on October 19, 1951. He was one of seven children born to Dennis McDonald and Phyllis McDonald (Houskamp). John attended Des Moines public schools and went on to graduate from Drake University with a Bachelor in Science.
John joined the Air Force in 1971 and entered the 132nd Fighter wing in the Iowa Air National Guard as a Fighter pilot. He served for 34 years. He loved his job and was very proud of what he did. During his time in the military he went on numerous deployments flying the A-7 and F-16 fighter jets including multiple missions during Desert Storm. He retired in 2005 as Colonel and received a number of decorations such as Legion of Merit, Meritorious Service Medal, Air Medal, as well as many others. Besides his love for the military and Fighter Jets, his greatest love and accomplishment was his family. John spent any free minute he had with his children and grandchildren.
John is survived by his three children, Erik (Sara) McDonald of Urbandale, IA, Victoria (Dustin) Dirksen of Johnston, IA, and Tessa McDonald of Ames, IA; his four grandchildren, Madison, Cicely, Jagger, and Breaker Dirksen; his four brothers, Bill (Barb) McDonald, Mike (Lisa) McDonald, Pat (Julie) McDonald, and Joe McDonald; his two sisters, Sandra (Tom) Boyle, and Denise (Steve) Fest; and many nieces and nephews. John was preceded in death by his parents, Dennis John McDonald and Phyllis Marie McDonald (Houskamp).
A memorial gathering will be held on Monday, March 21, 2022 from 5:30PM-7:00PM at Iles Grandview Park Funeral Home, 3211 Hubbell Avenue, Des Moines, Iowa 50317. A graveside committal service with military honors will be the next day, Tuesday, March 22, 2002, 11:00AM at Iowa Veterans Cemetery, Van Meter, Iowa, mile marker #113 off Interstate 80.
In lieu of flowers please come share stories at John's memorial gathering, or send us a card with your memory of our hero.
ILES GRANDVIEW PARK CHAPEL
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