Jeanette E. McDonald, age 93, passed away on Monday, January 18, 2021, at Hospice House in Pleasant Prairie, Wisconsin. She was surrounded by her loving sons and daughter-in-law.
Jeanette was born in Fond du Lac, Wisconsin on February 20, 1927, and was the daughter of the late Edward and Rosetta (Rosenbaum) Kaeding. On August 18, 1951, she was united in marriage to Charles (“Buzz”) McDonald. They started their life together on Washington Island and later moved to Kenosha. In addition to sharing a February 20th birthday, they shared 53 loving years together. Charles preceded her in death in 2004.
Jeanette was a teacher for 36 years. She began her career in 1945, at age 18, in Kaukana, teaching four grade levels in one classroom. After taking a break from teaching to devote time to her family, she received a divine call to teach at Friedens Evangelical Lutheran School. She taught at Friedens for 30 years, teaching kindergarten for her first two years and then first grade for 28 years.
She was a member of Friedens Evangelical Lutheran Church, where she enjoyed many friendships and was a member of Friedens’ Ladies Aid.
Jeanette had many interests. She loved bowling, gardening, reading, playing the piano, sports, board games, puzzles, visiting with family and friends, and cooking. She spoiled everyone with her wonderful cookies, pies, cakes, and meals. Jeanette canned tomatoes, pears, and made delicious raspberry jam.
In the summers, she helped run the McDonald family cottages on Washington Island. Over the years, she made many good friends on the Island as well.
Jeanette was a tremendous role model for her family. She was always a hard worker with a strong Christian faith, a kind heart, a deep love of children, and a great sense of humor.
Jeanette is survived by her sons, Michael and Patrick of Kenosha and Timothy (Margaret) of Wauwatosa. In addition, she is survived by her grandchildren, Charles McDonald, Andrew McDonald, Marie Jacob, Laura McDonald, Daniel McDonald, Meaghan Daun, and Jacob McDonald, and her 10 beautiful great grandchildren: Emmeline; George; Emily; Annabelle; Raelyn; Henry; Lydia; Rosalie; Isaac; and Brinley.
In addition to her parents and husband, Charles, Jeanette was preceded in death by her siblings, Edward, Bernice, Norman, Ruth, and Carl, and her daughter-in-law, Dolores.
Jeanette will be laid to rest on Washington Island. There will be a graveside service for her at Washington Island Cemetery during the summer at a time to be determined.
