Big John Mcdonald Jr.

Big John McDonald Jr., age 75 of Forest River, ND passed away on Tuesday, December 6, 2016 at his home.

John C. McDonald Jr. was born May 7, 1941 in Grafton, ND, the son of the late John Sr. and Blanche (Mueller) McDonald. He attended schools in Forest River and Inkster, ND before enlisting in the U.S. Navy. He served in the Navy from 1960-1964. Following his discharge he returned to Forest River and worked several jobs. He was united in marriage to Elaine Lunski on November 12, 1966 at St. John’s Catholic Church of Ardoch. He was currently working for Altendorf Trucking where he had been for 40 years.

He was a member of St. Timothy’s Catholic Church of Manvel, ND, the Forest River American Legion and the Forest River Coffee Club. Working was his hobby. He loved John Deere tractors, working with cattle and spending time with his grandchildren and grand dogs.

Big John is survived by his wife Elaine, Forest River, ND, children: Janie Phelps, Grand Forks, ND, Jodie (Jeff) Wohlgamuth, Manvel, ND, John (Shannon) McDonald, Forest River, ND, Jeff (Patty) McDonald, Ardoch, ND, 10 grandchildren, 1 great grandchild, siblings: Mary Ellen Smith, Argyle, MN, Tom (Helen) McDonald, Rosemont, MN, Rose Marie (Larry) Dokken, Sierra Vista, AZ, Jim (Shelly) McDonald, New Brighton, MN, Richard (Diane) McDonald, Inkster, ND, sister-in-laws: Carole McDonald, Bottineau, ND and Elaine McDonald, Prescott, AZ. Numerous nieces and nephews also survive. He was preceded in death by his parents and brothers: Bill and Joe.

Mass of Christian Burial will be Monday, December 12, 2016 at 10:30 A.M. at the St. Timothy’s Catholic Church of Manvel. Visitation will be Sunday from 3-5 with a prayer service at 5:00 P.M. at the church. Friends may also call at the church for one hour prior to the service. Military rites will be provided by the Forest River American Legion Post #251 and the U.S. Navy Honor Guard. Interment will be at the Forest River Cemetery. In lieu of flowers , memorials are preferred to St. Timothy’s Catholic Church of Manvel or the Forest River American Legion Post #251.