Joanne McDonald
July 28, 1934 - July 26, 2013
Obituary
MADISON-Joanne K. McDonald, age 78, of Madison passed away on Friday, July 26, 2013. She was born on July 28, 1934, the daughter of Edward and Dorothy (Palzkill) Tonkin. She and her four siblings were raised on the family farm in Mineral Point. Joanne graduated in 1952 from Mineral Point High School. She worked at Pendarvis, Wisconsin Power & Light, and retired from the UW-Madison Bursar’s office. Joanne then worked at Sear’s phone center and for the State of Wisconsin Dept. of Agriculture. She was a member of St. Dennis Catholic Church. Joanne enjoyed canning, working in her kitchen, socializing and spending time with her family and friends. Joanne is survived by her children, Shawn (Dawn) McDonald of Verona, and Leann (Don) Zilisch of Appleton; grandchildren, Zach and Jessica McDonald, Billy and Jessica Witek, Nathan, Connor, Annika and McKayla Zilisch; sister, Jeanne (Thomas) Cox; and brother, Tom Tonkin. She is further survived by nieces, nephews, and lifelong friends and neighbors, Bev and Harold. Joanne was preceded in death by her parents; special friend, Jim “Curly” Flesch; brothers, James and William Tonkin. Memorial Services will be held at GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL HOME, 5203 Monona Dr., Madison, at 11 a.m. on Thursday, Aug. 1, 2013. Visitation will be held at the funeral home on Wednesday, July 31, 2013 from 5 p.m. until 7 p.m., and on Thursday, from 10 a.m. until the time of the service. Joanne’s family would like to extend a special thank you to Ruth and John, and the Meriter ICU staff for all their loving care. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com Gunderson East Funeral & Cremation Care 5203 Monona Drive (608) 221-5420
Visitation will be held from 5-7 p.m. on Wednesday, July 31, 2013 and from 10a.m. until time of service on Thursday at the funeral home.
Memorial Services will be held 11 a.m. Thursday, August 1, 2013 at Gunderson Funeral Home 5203 Monona Drive, Madison.
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Memories
MN
mary neff
Other •
I truly enjoyed working with Joanne at the Department of Ag. She always did a good job at making the phone calls. We would always wait for her to bring in her homemade treats too. She was a GREAT cook and canner. I will miss Joanne.
AK
Alynn Kaatz
Other •
Our deepest sympathys to the McDonld family.
John, Marlene and Alynn Kaatz
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Chris
Other •
To Shawn and LeAnn;
I'm sorry to hear of your mom's passing. I have a lot of fond memories from old bowling days. I'm sure my mother and Joanne are laughing and sharing beer together!!
Sincerely,
Chris Kempfer
(Jane Lange's Daughter)
AR
Angela Van Rooy
Other •
To Leann and Shawn and your families: I was so sorry to hear about your mom's passing. I have many great memories from our St. Dennis Elementary School days. Your mom was always so generous, as I spent many long summer days at your house. I will always remember her Christmas open houses and the dining room table laden with yummy treats. My thoughts are with you all. Love, Angie Van Rooy and family
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Nancy Van Rooy
Other •
Leanne and Family, Sorry for the loss of your Mother. Enjoyed knowing her when Angie was in school with Leanne. I remember Angie going to the State together. I also was at her Christmas Open House. You'll miss her, but remember the good times.
Nancy Van Rooy
DM
Deb McCosky
Other •
I am so sorry to hear of the passing of your Mom. She was the kind of woman you met and felt like you had known forever. She was so very proud of her children and grandchildren. I'm grateful she was brought into my life and that I could call her my friend. My deepest sympathies to all of you. She was one of a kind