Donald J. McDonald
IRON RIVER — Donald “Don” J. McDonald, 96, of Iron River, passed away peacefully on Friday, Aug. 12, 2022, at D.J. Jacobetti Home for Veterans in Marquette.
He was born on July 29, 1926, in Iron River, the son of the late Edwin and Ebba (Elmleaf) McDonald. Don attended the Central School and the Lincoln School, graduating from Iron River High School.
He then attended Western Michigan after his stint in the Navy. He continued at Northern Michigan University after the war ended, before earning his master’s degree from the University of Michigan. He retired from teaching in 1982, after 32 years.
Don was a radioman in the United States Navy, during World War II.
Don married the former Julia “Julie” Dabeck on Oct. 6, 1951, at St. Agnes Catholic Church of Iron River and the couple were lifelong residents of the area. They celebrated their 62nd wedding anniversary in 2013, before Julie’s passing on Oct. 15, 2013.
He was a member of St. Cecilia Catholic Church of Caspian, the Knights of Columbus, the Holy Name Society choir member, and a former Elks member.
He enjoyed hunting, fly fishing, baseball, football, basketball, and bowling. Besides being the football coach, Don was the Bates basketball coach from 1950 to 1956, winning one district title. In 1957 he coached Stambaugh JV football until 1961. He succeeded Willard Anderson in 1962 as Head Football Coach until 1967. Don was instrumental in creating the Wykon Logo where he assumed Head Football Coaching duties in 1968 until 1970.
He also enjoyed sports officiating at the high school and college levels. Don was recently selected for induction into the U.P. Sports Hall of Fame.
Don is survived by his sons, Kevin McDonald of Sterling Heights, Mich. and Shaun (Melodi) McDonald of Auburn Hills, Mich.; half-sister, Darlene Duff of Iron Mountain; grandchildren, Scott and David; great-grandchildren, Savanna and Blake; nieces, nephews, and extended family.
In addition to his parents and wife, he was also preceded in death by his sister, Eloise Erbin.
Visitation will be held on Tuesday, Aug. 16, 2022 from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the Jacobs Funeral Home of Iron River.
Funeral services will follow at 1 p.m. at St. Cecilia Catholic Church in Caspian with Rev. Raju Jose to offer the Mass of Christian Burial.
Interment will be in Resthaven Cemetery. The West Side Veterans will accord Military Rites at the graveside.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial donations be sent to the Jacobs Funeral Home in care of the Donald McDonald Family for the creation of a plaque at Nelson Field honoring his football coaching career.
Condolences may be expressed to the family of Donald “Don” J. McDonald online at www.jacobsfuneralhomeir.com.
Funeral arrangements by the Jacobs Funeral Home of Iron River.
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