DAVID “MAC” MCDONALD

David “Mac” McDonald, age 87, of Canby, MN passed away on Monday, November 4, 2024 at the Pipestone County Hospice House in Pipestone, MN. Memorial service will be held at 2:00p.m. on Monday, November 11th at Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church in Canby, MN. Visitation will be held from 3 to 5pm on Sunday, November 10th at the Houseman Funeral Home, Birk Chapel in Canby with a prayer service at 5pm. Visitation will resume one hour prior to the service at the church. Burial with military honors will be at the Canby City Cemetery. Houseman Funeral Home, Birk Chapel of Canby is entrusted with the arrangements.

David Dean McDonald was born on May 1, 1937 in Iona, MN to parents Francis and Mary (Duwenhoegger) McDonald. Dave was the youngest of six children. He lost his father at the age of six. Dave developed a strong work ethic early on out of necessity to help his mom and his family. He started helping at an automotive shop in Iona at the age of eight and eventually was upgraded to a mechanic.

After graduation in 1956, Dave worked at the Ford garage in Slayton until 1960 when he was drafted into the US Army. He served from 19601962 and was stationed in Ft. Hood, TX. On February 18, 1961, Dave and his high school sweetheart, Margene Elizabeth Bremer, were united in marriage in Ft. Hood, TX. After an honorable discharge, Dave and Margene returned to Slayton, MN where Dave began his lifelong career as a telephone lineman/repairman. Dave and Margene moved to Canby, MN in 1965 where they raised their three daughters. Dave retired from Frontier Communications in 1994, a career where he established many close friendships in the Canby, Porter, St. Leo and Ivanhoe communities. Dave never met a stranger and loved to converse. He would remember every detail of every conversation. He really cared about “knowing” the person! Dave had a knack for coming up with a fitting nickname for many. He loved to hear and tell a good joke and had a contagious laugh and unique sense of humor that will never be forgotten.

Dave and Margene enjoyed traveling and took their family on a vacation each summer. Dave enjoyed hunting in Montana and Minnesota, fishing for bullheads and collecting guns and wooden duck decoys. He also enjoyed birdwatching and classic country music. He was a Ducks Unlimited committee member and supporter for many years. He was also a member of Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church and the Gary American Legion, Post 109.

Dave faced several health problems including a diagnosis of chronic lymphocytic leukemia in 2003. He never complained and was a bright spot for his numerous care teams. Dave passed away peacefully in his sleep on Monday, November 4, 2024 at the age of 87 at the Pipestone County Hospice House. Dave loved his daughters, sons-in-law and grandchildren and was so proud of each and every one of them.

Dave’s memory will live on through his daughters: Lisa (Curt) Hoffman, Canby, MN, Jodi (David) Mercer, Gary, SD and Tricia (Matt) Maynard, Canby, MN; his grandchildren: Erin (Chase) Hewer, Kendra Hoffman, Moriah (Zach) Gorder, Tanner (Maria) Mercer, Kiley (Hamood) Mercer-Abdul Ghani, Blake (Tahnisha) Mercer, Maverick (Gabbie) Maynard, Cameron Maynard and Gavin Maynard; his greatgrandchildren: Brooks and Briar Hewer, Koen Mercer and Braxton and Beckham Gorder; his in-laws: Kathy Bremer, George (Mary) Bremer and Norbert (Sallee) Bremer along with numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, friends and his amazing home health provider, Cheryl Schultz.

Dave was greeted in heaven by his wife Margene, his parents and his siblings: Glen (Bobbi) McDonald, Erlene (Ronnie) Rice, Wayne (Jean) McDonald, Lelyth “Cutz” (Jerry) Thaler and Carol (Don) Wade.