John W. MacDonald

The family of John MacDonald would like to announce the passing of our beloved father, John Wallace MacDonald on Tuesday, July 29, 2025. John was born in Wausau, Wis., to Archie and Johanna (Goertz) MacDonald, on January 23, 1933. He was the youngest of six, growing up in the home that his parents built, where flowers and vegetables were plentiful. It was a simpler time. Even as a child, John was a scientific thinker, often imagining new inventions. This continued throughout adulthood. He approached problems in a logical manner and created many “work arounds” to solve them. As the last of his siblings to pass, it is an end to a generation in our MacDonald family tree.

After graduating from Wausau West High School, John joined the U.S. Air Force during the Korean War, where he was stationed in England for about three years. He then went to Madison to attend the University of Wisconsin. He spent his career working at Oscar Mayer Foods, first as a draftsman, and then as an engineer, until his retirement in 1993. In addition to continually helping his children with all of life’s challenges, John spent his retirement years enjoying his grandchildren, driving Betty around, including many outings to the dog races, fishing, bowling, golfing, and volunteering at Second Harvest Food Bank. And after Betty got sick, he cared for her intensely for over 12 years without complaint. Hopefully the two of them are now together, free from pain, and singing and dancing away.

John was rich in friends. He made many lifelong pals at Oscars, playing in both the Oscar Mayer golf league and bowling team from the early days until only a year ago. To his credit, John’s achievements include both a hole-in-one on the golf course and a 300-game in bowling. He also maintained close friendships with his buddies from high school, and always looked forward to their regular mini-reunions, as recently as last year.

But above all, what John valued most, was his family. In 1960, John married Elizabeth (Betty) Burrell Taylor, whom he met when she was in the states, visiting from her home country of Scotland. Having Scottish heritage himself, the culture became a big part of their life together, with visits to Scotland to reconnect with family, and parties with other Scottish friends, including music, dancing, and bagpipes in the basement. They bought a house and settled on the east side of Madison; between 1963 and 1969 they had five children and never a dull moment. John and Betty had many friends from the neighborhood on E. Lakeview Ave. and other friends who had immigrated from Scotland. They spent countless nights hanging out, playing cards, and going out dancing with them. John was the rock of the family, always taking care of the wants and needs of everyone. Through all those years with his kids, John managed to build a very close bond with each, which lasted for the rest of his life. For each child, John provided gentle guidance and advice, without making judgements about final decisions. Even as adults, John was very active in the lives of his kids. Frequent family get-togethers and celebrations, just time hanging out, going out to watch his sons’ band play, and plenty of babysitting grandkids, was time well spent. And as each of those 14 grandchildren came along, John was thrilled over again and lovingly nurtured them, encouraging each one to find their passions and accepting them as who they are. John’s kindness, wisdom, and humor have helped shape the next two generations of MacDonalds, as well as many, many others that have crossed paths with him in his 92 years. He was a quiet man. But when he spoke, his words were wise, empathetic, and well thought out. And people listened. He will live through his children and grandchildren with each act of their kindness and compassion.

Preceding him in death are his beloved wife, Betty (d. 2002); his parents, Archie and Johanna; his brothers, Bert (Lestie) MacDonald, Marlund “Red” (Ethyl) MacDonald, Milton “Mookie” MacDonald and Derald “Shine” (Ruth) MacDonald; and sister, Connie (Art) Seidl. Surviving are his children, Ann Fredrick, Tricia (Jon) Engelhart, Tom (Lisa) MacDonald, Mike (Karen) MacDonald and Teresa Foust; his grandchildren, Kelsea (Peter) Myers, Asha Fredrick, Maija Fredrick, Bryce Engelhart, Taylor Engelhart, Jared Engelhart, Keegan MacDonald, Kobe MacDonald, Jaime MacDonald, Laina MacDonald, Ryan (Olivia) MacDonald, Jessica MacDonald, Carter Foust and Jordan Foust; and his great-grandchildren, Glenn Myers and Ivy Myers. John leaves behind a large and devoted extended family, both in the United States and in Scotland, who brought him much joy throughout his life. John also spent a number of years with Connie, his former companion.

For the duration of his journey with cancer, John was hopeful and faced his illness with incredible strength and grace before passing away at home on July 29, 2025. He left this world the way he lived it-surrounded by love, with his family all around him. It was an honor for his children to take care of him for the last months, just as he cared for them for more than 60 years. While the grief is immense, that time shared with him at the end, with his kids all together in the house they grew up in, was priceless. It was filled with tenderness, love, presence, and Brewer games. Story sharing, new memories, and words spoken for the first time. Even in his passing, he drew his family together and strengthened their bond.

In addition to caring deeply for his family, John felt strongly about the state of our humanity and the political wellbeing of our country. He was a strong supporter of human rights, healthcare, social justice, and education. The following is a letter to the editor of the newspaper that John wrote after the 2016 election:

               I was born and raised in North Central Wisconsin in the 1930s and 40s.  

               Four of my brothers served in World War II. Three of them survived.    

               Looking back on those times, I could never quite understand how one

               person, by promising the moon, constantly repeating lies, both big and

               small, controlling the media, and persecuting anyone who was not of the

               proper race, religion, or ideology, could so completely take over the

               minds and souls of so many people in a country the size of Germany.

               Now I understand.

The family would like to thank friends and family for the outpouring of cards, well-wishes, prayers, food, and visits over the past months. We are especially grateful to Pam and Wes Odegaard, who went above and beyond to support the family throughout John’s last few months.

A funeral service will take place at GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL AND CREMATION CARE, 5203 Monona Drive, Madison, at 10:30 a.m. on Monday, August 4, 2025. Burial will follow at Highland Memory Gardens. A visitation will be held at the funeral home from 9:30 a.m. until the time of the service on Monday.

Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.

Gunderson East

Funeral & Cremation Care

5203 Monona Drive

(608) 221-5420