In Loving Memory of

Jean Ruth McDonald

Jean McDonald was born on July 11, 1928 on the family farm in Hubbard County, Park Rapids, Minnesota, to Charles and Gladys Wilson Potter. Jean was the third of nine children, having seven sisters and one brother. Jean excelled in school and was able to skip 2nd grade, which allowed her to graduate from Park Rapids High School at the age of 16. Following high school Jean left the farm, rented a room in Park Rapids and began working for the ASC office.  Jean then moved with her sister, Joyce to Minneapolis for two years. Jean then moved to Washington D.C., enlisted in the United States Navy, but was unable to serve due to a heart murmur. Jean was a Level 4 secretary and stenographer for a Navy Captain and Admiral.  On December 5, 1953, she and Wayne McDonald were married in Washington, D.C.  Following their marriage they made their home in Slayton, MN, and raised their family.  Jean worked as a bookkeeper at Nordins SuperValu in Slayton until she retired in 1995.  Jean passed away at home on October 19, 2017 at the age of 89.  She was a member of St. Ann’s Church in Slayton where she served as secretary and bookkeeper where she assembled the weekly bulletins for many years.  She also was a member of the Catholic Daughters of America and served as past president of the CCW. Jean enjoyed spending time with her family, attended her grandchildren’s activities, very much enjoyed crossword puzzles, watching games shows, cooking, reading, and taking trips to area casinos.

Survivors include her six children and their spouses, Janece and Jeff Kern of Olivia, MN, Ruth McDonald of Seattle, WA, Dick and Lisa McDonald of Greybull, WY, Paul and Kathy McDonald of Slayton, MN, Carolyn McDonald of Slayton, MN, and Linda McDonald of Brandon, SD; nine grandchildren, Sara and Nick Gavin, Nick Bruning, Alex Bruning, Jennifer and Matthew Gatlin, Michelle McDonald, Nichole McDonald, Kyle McDonald, Eric and Erin McDonald, and Brody McDonald; 11 great-grandchildren, four siblings, Joyce Hirschel of Minneapolis, MN, Lois Kopp of New York Mills, MN, Carol Valtinson of Park Rapids, MN, Mary Taylor of Sacramento, CA, one brother–in-law, Dave McDonald of Canby, MN, one sister-in-law, Carol Wade of Miles City, MT, and many nieces and nephews and their families.  She is preceded in death by her parents, her husband Wayne, infant daughter Susan, and four siblings, Ardelle Nustad, Doris Potter, Al Potter and Teresa Benson. 

Funeral Services

St. Ann’s Church on Monday, October 23, 2017 at 1:30 p.m. with Fr. Thien Nguyen officiating.  The organist is Sharon Lais.  The song leader is Sheila Crowley with special music by Lisa McDonald.  The pallbearers are Dick McDonald, Paul McDonald, Nick Bruning, Alex Bruning, Sara Gavin and Brody McDonald.  Interment is at St. Ann’s Cemetery in Slayton, MN.  

Visitation will be on Sunday, October 22, 2017 at St. Ann’s Church in Slayton from 4-6 p.m. with a CDA Rosary at 4:30 p.m. Visitation will also one hour prior to the services at the church on Monday.  Interment is a St. Ann’s Cemetery, in Slayton, MN.