OBITUARIES

John L. McDonald, Jr.

Retired Naval Lieutenant Commander

John L. McDonald

Jr., also known to many as “Mac,” age 89 of Bradenton, Florida, and Cannon Falls, Minnesota, died peacefully at his Cannon Falls home on Tuesday, Jan. 17, 2023.

John was born on Jan. 31, 1933 in Cortez, Florida, a fishing village, the son of John Sr. and Mamie “Ruth” (Bonnell) McDonald. He graduated from Manatee County High School in Bradenton in 1951, later serving with the U.S. Navy during the Korean and Vietnam wars, retiring after 25 years.

He married Rosalie Wachtler on Jan. 4, 1958 at St. Peter’s Catholic Church in Mendota, Minnesota.

While living in Florida, he was a founding member of the Florida Maritime Museum and the Cortez Cultural Center. A lifelong land and sea conservationist, John converted fields to a tree farm, planting conifer, walnut and oak trees, providing shade for future generations. He was a lifelong learner with sustained interest, curiosity and the innovative ideas of self and others.

He is survived by his wife of 65 years, Rosalie “Robin” McDonald; children, Kathleen McDonald of Red Wing, Minnesota, Susan (Kevin) McDonaldConroy of Trempealeau, Wisconsin, Cynthia (Todd) Sutherland of Windsor, Colorado and John J. (Amy) McDonald of Wanamingo, Minnesota; nine grandchildren, Dan, Ellen and Jen Conroy, Clifton, Eve and Hugh Sutherland, and McKayla, Kiara and Tyson Johnston; sisters, Jane Treglown of Port Saint Joe, Florida and Joyce (Leslie “Sonny”) Davis of Morehead City, North Carolina; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Joseph; and sisters, Jacqueline Mofield and Judith Augsburger.

A Celebration of Life with a seafood dinner will be held in Cortez on Monday, April 24 at 5 p.m. at the Star Fish Company at the Cortez docks. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held in Cannon Falls, with interment with military honors at Fort Snelling National Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, gifts to Cortez Village Historical Society, 1655 Cortez Road W., P.O. Box 663, Cortez, Florida 34215 would be meaningful.