Edward McDonald

Edward James McDonald passed quietly from this world on Monday, December 3 at his home in Litchfield Park, Arizona. He was the oldest son of James and Laurena (Mohr) McDonald. Ed was born in Des Moines, Iowa and moved to Fonda, Iowa with his family in 1955. He attended and graduated from Our Lady of Good Counsel Catholic School where he met his future wife, Jeanne Reilly. They were married on December 24, 1965 at St. Ambrose Cathedral in Des Moines and became the proud parents of two daughters and three sons. Seven wonderful grandsons would also bring special joy to his life. Known for his committed work ethic, Ed’s first jobs at a young age included being a carryout boy for the local grocer and milking cows on his uncle’s farm. His varied interests led to many opportunities that included driving a UPS truck, tending bar, driving a semi for Decker Truck Lines and working for the Hygrade Meat Processing Plant. Ed also took a turn in the grocer business owning and managing Ed’s Clover Farm grocery store in Fonda. Following a move to Phoenix, Arizona, he became the manager of Barricade & Light Rental Company, eventually moving on to start his own successful traffic control business – Copper Country Safety Sales. Retiring in 2006 and subsequently spending summers back in Fonda, Ed realized not working was not for him! He started a lawn mowing business, planted prolific gardens, and helped farming friends in the fields. Back in Litchfield Park during the winter, Ed enjoyed working at the Wigwam Resort Golf Course as a Ranger. Ed was preceded in death by his father and mother, his son Bill McDonald, his sister Donna Woxell, his brother Robert McDonald, and nephews Ben Bohn and Lenny Woxell. He is survived by his wife of 53 years Jeanne; his children, Bridget, Shawn, Tim (Nancy), and Angela (Bob); grandsons, Gabe, Zach, Shane, Dakota, Keaton, Trey, and Braiden; siblings Leonard (Carol) McDonald, Diane Lenning; and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins. A celebration of Ed’s life will be held at Menke Funeral Home in Sun City on Saturday, December 15, from 2:00-4:00pm. A Funeral Mass is planned at Our Lady of Good Counsel Church in Fonda, Iowa, on Friday, December 28 at 10:30am with interment to follow at Mt. Zion Catholic Cemetery.