Gary McDonald

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Gary McDonald, 86, of Highmore, passed away Tuesday, December 26, 2017 at his home surrounded by his family.

Memorial service with military honors was held at 10:30 a.m., Saturday, December 30, 2017 at the United Methodist Church, Highmore with Pastor Kippy Udehn officiating. Burial will be at a later date at the Highmore Cemetery. Visitation began at 5:00 p.m., Friday, December 29, 2017 with a 6:00 p.m. prayer service, all at Luze Funeral Home, Highmore

Gary was born on June 29, 1931, to Milo and Gennevieve (Hoxey) McDonald in Aberdeen, South Dakota. He graduated from Highmore High School in 1949. After graduating high school, he joined the U.S. Navy in May of 1951. He did his Basic Training in San Diego and then went to store keeping school. He was then stationed aboard the air craft carrier the U.S.S. Boxer CVA-21. He served off the Coast of Korea from 1951 to 1953. As a Korean War Veteran, he was awarded the Ambassador for Peace Award.

When Gary was home on leave, he married his high school sweetheart Donna LaFurge on January 4, 1953, They would have celebrated their 65th wedding anniversary next year. Gary and Donna spent two years in Guam; and in May of 1956, Gary was Honorably Discharged from the Navy.

After serving in the Navy, Gary attended college at South Dakota State University on the GI Bill. He studied Animal Science and graduated with a Bachelors Degree in 1961. During his time at SDSU his two children, David and Janet, were born.

After graduating from SDSU, he went to work for Hormel in Austin, Minnesota, as an animal feed salesman. He and his family then moved to Jackson, Minnesota, and he continued working for Hormel. In 1964, he and his family returned to Highmore where he bought his dad’s family business—McDonald’s Meat and Locker Service. He and Donna owned and operated this business until 2000. Gary was a fantastic butcher and was well known for his cured meats and especially his jerky. After retiring from the meat business, Gary wanted to continue working and to be active in the community. He worked at Highmore Healthcare for 5 years and then we worked for Mashek Food Center until age 84 (when he finally decided it was time to retire).

Gary and Donna loved to travel. They made numerous trips to Mexico to visit his sister and her family. They traveled to Japan, Hawaii, Alaska, Florida, and took many cruises. He loved to camp with his family and spent many 4th of Julys at Farm Island in Pierre. He enjoyed attending his children and grandchildren’s events. He and Donna were always looking for an adventure, and last summer we all tubed the Niobrara River as a family. Gary was happiest when sharing a beer with family or his friends.

Gary was an active member of the American Legion and the United Methodist Church. He served as the Treasurer for the American Legion and for the Highmore Senior Citizen Center. He was also a Mason.

Many words could be used to describe Gary but these stand out the most: kind, honest, hard worker, witty, stubborn, friend. Most important he was a wonderful husband, father, and grandfather—the best!!

Gary’s memory will be cherished by his wife, Donna; his children David McDonald of Wichita, KS, and Janet (Jimmie) Nicolaus of Mitchell, SD.; grandchildren: Garrett (Christine) McDonald, Lauren (Gentry) Naill, Colin McDonald, Kylie (Sarah) Nicolaus, Sean Nicolaus, Brady Nicolaus; one great granddaughter, Ily Naill; and one sister, Aline Callaghan.

He was preceded in death by his parents; and brother, Jim McDonald.

Luze Funeral Home of Highmore has been entrusted with Gary's arrangements.