Charles “Mac” M. McDonald

Obituary

Charles “Mac” McCaskill McDonald was born on September 16, 1927, in Tampa, Florida. He was the son of Peter and Maggie (Miller) McDonald. Charles was baptized in 1980 at Seventh day Adventist Church in Brandon, Florida. He received his education in Tampa. Charles left school early in 1943, to work in a shipyard for a few years repairing insulator pipes in holes on the ships before joining the service. He received his High School GED while in the service.

Charles entered active military service in the United States Navy on February 9, 1945, in Tampa, and served his country during World War II. He was stationed in Great Lakes, Illinois, Dublin, California, San Francisco, California, and Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. He continued his Naval service with the U.S. Naval Reserve until being honorably discharged on January 10, 1949.

Charles enlisted in the United States Army on January 11, 1949, in Tampa, Florida and served his country during the Korean and Vietnam War. In the fall of 1952, he participated in Operation Ivy, atomic testing at Eniwetok Proving Ground in the Marshall Islands. He re-enlisted into the United States Army on August 15, 1963, in Wurzburg, Germany. Charles was awarded the Commendation Ribbon with Metal Pendant for devising a bacon rind remover that saved time, increased safety for the meat cutter, and reduced waste. This device was adopted as standard equipment for Army-wide use. Charles retired after 23 years of service with an Honorable Discharge on October 31, 1968, at Fort Stewart, Georgia, and achieved the rank of First Sergeant. He was awarded commendations for Marksman (Rifle), Sharpshooter (Carbine), Army of Occupation Medal (Germany), Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal, World War II Victory Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Army Contingency Response Wing Military Police, Good Conduct Medal (4th Award), and National Defense Service Medal.

Charles was blessed with four children, Charles, Reginald, Aida, and Bryan. On November 22, 1980, Charles was united in marriage to Marlene Ellstrom at Seventh day Adventist Church in Brandon, Florida. Charles and Marlene resided in Tampa, Florida, Ely, Minnesota, and DeFuniak Springs, Florida, before settling in Hutchinson, Minnesota in December of 2017. They shared 45 years of marriage.

Charles was employed in maintenance at Moffit Cancer Center in Tampa, Florida. He retired in 1989. Charles was a member of Seventh-day Adventist Church in Hutchinson. He was also a member of Hutchinson VFW Post 906.

Charles enjoyed fishing and hunting. He especially enjoyed spending time with his family, grandchildren, and friends.

Charles passed away on Wednesday, December 3, 2025, at Meeker Manor Rehabilitation Center in Litchfield, Minnesota, at the age of 98 years.

Blessed be his memory.

Charles is survived by his:
Wife, Marlene McDonald of Hutchinson, MN;
Children, Charles McDonald Jr. and his wife, Effie of VA,
Reginald McDonald of FL,
Aida Hiser of KS,
Bryan McDonald and his wife, Tracy of NC;
8 Grandchildren;
15 Great-grandchildren;
Brother-in-law, Jim Moenssen;
Many other relatives and friends.

Charles is preceded in death by his Parents, Peter and Maggie McDonald; Sisters, Doris (Paul) Aulabaugh, Jean (Ed) Gist, Sarah Moenssen.