William Joseph Mcdonald

Although many spend their lives chasing the ever-illusive American dream, William McDonald never set about such things, rather, he focused his days on living in the moment with his numerous family and friends. He never viewed wealth or stature as the measure of a man, but he found his children and grandchildren to be his greatest accomplishment. Bill was blessed to spend the majority of his days on this earth alongside his true love with whom he experienced so many of the best things that life has to offer. He did so much more than teach the students in his care as he inspired them to strive to do their best, proving that teaching is first and foremost a matter of the heart. Life will never be the same without Bill here, but his timeless legacy will be proudly carried on by the generations who follow him. It was in 1949 that a bustling family from Mt. Pleasant, Michigan, was delighted to welcome a healthy baby boy into the fold on March 4th. William J. was the youngest of 12 children born on the family farm to his parents, Fred and Lucille (Thering) McDonald, and he was raised on the McDonald Family Farm alongside his siblings, Jim, Dick, Jerry, John, Mary, Marge, Tom, Kathleen, Bob, Ruth, and Evie. His parents were hard working farmers, and there were plenty of farm chores to go around. Bill started driving the tractor when he was seven years old, and he also frequently milked the cows. When he wasnt busy with farm chores he enjoyed playing baseball and swimming at the local gravel pit. Bill attended Sacred Heart Academy where he played basketball and football in high school. He was proud to be part of the 1967 state championship basketball team. Also of great significance during his years in school were the lifelong friendships that were established with Mick Natzel, Mike Hacket, Ed McQuaid, Tom Zeneberg, Tim Fallon, Jim Jackson, Dorothy Naumes and many others. Shortly after graduating from high school he went on to Central Michigan University, on a football scholarship, where he earned both his bachelors and masters degrees in education. Not to be forgotten during his college years was Bills introduction to the young woman with whom he would write an eloquent love story. Her name was Sally Schemel, and they met in bowling class as freshmen. After dating for a time, the couple was united in marriage on January 24, 1970, at Sacred Heart Church. Together Bill and Sally welcomed three children into their hearts and home: Gregg, Kelli, and Kari. To support his family Bill spent his career inspiring students. He was an extraordinary teacher who specialized in woodworking, health, and physical education. Bill also was an administrator and coach. Bills career was always very rewarding to him as he considered it a privilege to influence numerous young lives in a significant way. He was known to sing Alley Oop on the bus as he and his football teams were celebrating a victory. Bills students, athletes, fellow teachers, and administrators all had only positive things to say about the way they viewed Bill. It was easy to see that Bill enjoyed his work, but nothing was more near and dear to his heart than spending time with his family. His desire was for his children to learn that there are more important things in life than material possessions, which he demonstrated by example. Both Bill and Sally set high expectations for their children, and their children in turn always met them. He forever counted the day he married his wife to be the best day of his life as it was in marrying her that his family tree blossomed to include the children and grandchildren he adored. So many of the things Bill loved were made better because they were shared with his family and friends. He was a devout Catholic, golfed on leagues throughout his life, and enjoyed things like hunting, snowmobiling, and hanging out with family and friends at the lake. Bill and Sally traveled with their family and friends to Hilton Head Island for more than 20 years. They also spent summers at Rose Lake and camped at various parks throughout Michigan. In 2010, Bill and Sally took a memorable trek out West for over a month. To know William McDonald was to love him as he was truly remarkable. He was easygoing, and he could remain positive in everything - even when the way before him was difficult. Although he could seem a bit gruff on the outside, Bill had a heart of gold and was compassionate and selfless in everything he did. He showed unending courage and strength every day and was guided by his abiding faith. Bill was often seen in some sort of Notre Dame gear, and his devotion to the athletes under his leadership was unmatched. He will be deeply missed and warmly remembered. William J. McDonald of Rose Lake, and formerly of Mt. Pleasant and Flint, died on Friday, May 31, 2013, in Grand Haven. Bills family includes his wife, Sally of Rose Lake; three children and their spouses, Gregg (Libby) McDonald and their children Emma, Mason, Ava, and Kate of Grand Rapids, Kelli (Jeremy) Heavilin and their children, Adelle and Davis of Grand Haven, and Kari (John) Heyink of Charlotte, NC; siblings, Marge (Ron) Stickney of Canadian Lakes, Kathleen Kearney of Romeo, Bob (Gail) McDonald of Mt. Pleasant, Ruth (Chuck) Johnson of The Villages, FL, and Evie (Cliff) Schmidt of Jackson; four sisters-in-law, Leona, Barbara, Marian, and Leona McDonald, all of Mt. Pleasant; brother-in-law, Gene Worley of Farwell; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by "the boys", his brothers, Jim, Dick, Jerry and John; his sister, Mary Worley; and his infant brother, Tom. A Funeral Mass for Bill will be celebrated at 11 a.m. Monday, June 3, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church with Father Loren Kalinowski presiding and Deacon Larry Fussman assisting. A luncheon will follow at Sacred Heart Parish Hall. The family will receive friends at Lux Family Life Story Funeral Home on Sunday from 1-8 p.m. with the Vigil beginning at 7:30 p.m. Visitation continues at the church on Monday one hour prior to the Mass. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Sacred Heart Academy Foundation, Powers Catholic High School Memorial Fund, or Kearsley Community Schools. Envelopes are available at the funeral home. Please visit www.lifestorynet.com where you can leave a memory or sign the online guestbook.