William J. McDonald
June 2, 1936 – August 5, 2019
William “Bill” McDonald, 83 of Omaha, Nebraska, passed away peacefully on August 5, 2019 with his wife by his side. Bill was born on June 2, 1936 in Robbinsdale, Minnesota. Preceded in death by mother, Anna (McDonnell) McDonald; father, Norman McDonald; and brother, Scott McDonald. Survived by wife, Mary McDonald; daughters: Andrea Marboe (John), Leah Distel, Laura McCann (Paul), and Jennifer Custer (Lance; seven grandchildren: Zach Distel, Drew Distel, Della Distel, Charlotte Marboe, Vivian Custer, Chloe Custer and Madeline McCann; brother, Donald McDonald (Sue); and beloved cousins, nieces and nephews.
Bill graduated from Vocational High School where he focused on a career in Culinary Arts. After graduation, he served in the United States Navy, stationed at the Brooklyn Naval Yard and also in San Diego. He had a career in food service that
spanned decades and ranged from college feeding to throwing large parties at Mutual of Omaha while working for the Saga Corporation. The latter portion of his career was spent working at the Swanson Corporation in Omaha, Nebraska.
Bill will be remembered for his sense of adventure, as a good husband and father, a loyal friend and wonderful gardener. His love of traveling, food and good wine culminated in many overseas trips with Mary. He cherished being in gourmet group with his neighbors, playing bocce with his son-in-law Paul, neighbor Dave and his best friend Neil. He spent hours in his yard planting cutting flowers that he knew his wife would love and tending to his vegetable garden. His grandchildren loved getting spontaneous cards in the mail with surprises.
SERVICES: Friday, August 9th at 11am at the West Center Chapel with luncheon to follow. Interment with military rites: Friday, 2pm at Omaha National Cemetery, 14250 Schramm Road in Omaha. In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to Westside Church Food Pantry, 15050 W. Dodge Rd. in Omaha; or to the Wounded Warrior Project.
3 Comments
We are so sorry to hear about Bill’s passing. You are in our prayers.
We feel badly that we can not be there with you Mary at such a sad time. You are in our prayers. We send our love.
Mary, Steve and I were saddened to learn today from Jan of Bill’s death. We spoke of him just last week when we were on vacation in London and passed the Cordon Bleu school. Although it’s been too many years to admit, we still think fondly of our Saga years and the fun we had practicing our gourmet cooking. We trust you’ll be comforted by your children and grandchildren, and we know that Neil and Jan will remain devoted and supportive friends. Will send more news soon and privately. Fondly, Janie and Steve
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