William M. McDonald

IRONWOOD, Mich. - William M. McDonald, 92, of Ironwood, died peacefully Sunday, Aug. 21, 2016, at Westgate Nursing, Rehabilitation and Assisted Living Community in Ironwood, surrounded by his loving family.

He was born Dec. 4, 1923, in Trout Creek, son of the late Lewis and Lydia (Shannon) McDonald, and graduated from Trout Creek High School in 1941. He attended Ferris State University for one year prior to entering the U.S. Army on Dec. 11, 1942, proudly serving his country during World War II in the South Pacific in New Guinea and the Southern Philippines, and was honorably discharged as a sergeant on Jan. 27, 1946.

Following his discharge, Bill returned to Ferris State University and received a Bachelor of Science degree in business. He taught school in Ewen for one year and spent four years in the Gladwin School District, also serving as principal. He then was employed as investigator for the Michigan State Liquor Control Commission for 30 years, retiring in 1983.

Bill loved hunting and fishing and was a past member of the Trout Creek American Legion Post and VFW. He also was a past member of the Ironwood Area Board of Education and the Ironwood Kiwanis Club.

He was married to the former Joyce Maki on June 1, 1946, in Trout Creek. She survives.

Also surviving are a son, William P. (Judy), Wausau, Wis .; daughter, Nancy (George) Osier, Wakefield; five grandchildren, Patrick (Doreen) McDonald, Wisconsin Rapids, Wis., Michelle (Bob) Miklesh, Plover, Wis., Erin (John) Helgeson, Iola, Wis., Matthew (Stacey) McDonald, Amherst, Wis., and Amy (Justin) Pagel, Weston, Wis .; nine great-grandchildren; numerous nieces and nephews; and brothers- and sisters-in-law, Florence Besonen, Charlotte, Marjorie Stocker, Eagle, Idaho, Joan and Jim Revoyr, Watersmeet, Jim and Diane Maki, Trout Creek, and Lynn Paquette, Baraga.

Besides his parents, Bill was predeceased by a brother, Donald; brothers-in-law, John Maki and Robert Maki; and sisters-in-law, Janet Usimaa and Kathryn McDonald.

Out of respect for his wishes, cremation has taken place and no services will be held.

Arrangements were entrusted to McKevitt-Patrick Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Ironwood. Condolences may be expressed online at mckevittpatrickfuneralhome.com.

Bill's family wishes to extend a heartfelt thank you to the staff at Westgate Nursing, Rehabilitation and Assisted Living Community for the wonderful care given to Bill over the past six months.