John L. McDonald Jr.
Retired Naval Lt. Cmdr. John L. McDonald Jr., known to many as “Mac,” 89, of Bradenton and Cannon Falls, Minnesota, died peacefully Jan. 17 at his Cannon Falls home.
He was born Jan. 31, 1933, in Cortez, the son of John Sr. and Mamie “Ruth” (Bonnell) McDonald.
He graduated in 1951 from Manatee County High School in Bradenton and then served with the U.S. Navy during the Korean and Vietnam wars, retiring after 25 years.
He married Rosalie Wachtler Jan. 4, 1958, at St. Peter’s Catholic Church in Mendota, Minnesota.
While living in Florida, he was a founding member of the Florida Maritime Museum and the Cortez Village Cultural Center.
A lifelong land and sea conservationist, he converted fields to a tree farm, planting conifer, walnut and oak trees, giving shade for future generations. He was a lifelong learner with sustained interest, curiosity and the innovative ideas of self and others.
A celebration of life for Mr. McDonald, including a seafood dinner, will be at 5 p.m. Monday, April 24, at the Cortez docks at the Star Fish Co. in Cortez. A Mass of Christian burial will be held in Cannon Falls, with internment with military honors at Fort Snelling National Cemetery.
Memorial donations may be made to the Cortez Village Historical Society, 1655 Cortez Road W., P.O. Box 663, Cortez, FL 34215. Arrangements were by Lundberg Funeral Home, Cannon Falls. Online condolences may be directed to lundbergfuneral.com.
Mr. McDonald is survived by his wife of 65 years, Rosalie “Robin”; children Kathleen McDonald of Red Wing, Minnesota, Susan McDonald-Conroy and husband Kevin of Trempealeau, Wisconsin, Cynthia Sutherland and husband Todd of Windsor, Colorado, and John J. and wife Amy of Wanamingo, Minnesota; grandchildren Dan, Ellen and Jen Conroy, Clifton, Eve and Hugh Sutherland, McKayla, Kiara and Tyson Johnston; sisters Jane Treglown of Port St. Joe and Joyce Davis and husband Leslie “Sonny” of Morehead City, North Carolina; and many nieces and nephews.
Billy ‘Bill’ L. Rouse
Billy “Bill” L. Rouse,75, died at his March 21 at home in Holmes Beach.
He was born April 3, 1947, to Harry Rouse Jr. and Phyllis (Carlson) in Gary, Indiana.
Mr. Rouse enjoyed hunting, fishing, golfing, Indiana University basketball, and having a beer with friends.
A celebration of life will be held 5-7 p.m. Tuesday, March 28, at the Anchor Inn, 3007 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach. In celebration, the family asked that you please go to your local bar, drink a beer for Bill and tip your bartender.
Mr. Rouse is survived by wife Margaret “Margie;” son Jake and wife Ashley; daughter Amy Rouse, M.D.; grandchildren Brady and Sophie; and his nieces and nephews.