Russell Charles McDonald

Russell “Russ” McDonald age 84 of Cottage Grove, MN passed away peacefully with his family by his side on October 4, 2023.

A Memorial Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:30 am Monday, October 9, 2023 at St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church, 920 Holley Ave.; St. Paul Park with visitation one hour prior.  Burial at the church cemetery, 920 Hastings Ave; St. Paul Park.

Russell was born August 21, 1939, to the parents Russell and Lucille (Gebhart) McDonald in St. Paul, MN.  Russ was united in marriage to Mary Barnes on February 10, 1962, in St. Paul.  He worked for the Canadian Pacific Railroad for over 35 years.  Russ was a handyman of all trades, able to do almost anything he put his mind into teaching his children many valuable skills along the way.  He especially enjoyed time on many carpentry projects with his brothers-in-law Tom, Mike and Joe.   Through the years Russ enjoyed snowmobiling, fishing and anything in the outdoors. He will be remembered for his generosity of time for others and love of his family.

Russ is preceded in death by his parents Russell and Lucille McDonald; sister Betty Schmidt and brother-in-law, Roy Gosselin.  Russ is survived by his wife - the love of his life for over 62 years, Mary; children, Jean (Jeff) Huberty, Carol (Keith) Dreyer, Teresa, David (Tracy), and Tim; ten grandchildren, thirteen great-grandchildren; siblings, Margie (Don) Cournoyer, Shirley Gosselin, Richard (Jolene) and Dennis; and many other loving family and friends.