Dennis James McDonald, 52, of Washington, Mo., and formerly of Sparta passed away on the morning of Dec. 17, 2009.
He was born in Viroqua on July 1, 1957, and is survived by his parents, Charles and Arlene McDonald of St. Mary’s Ridge, Cashton.
He is also survived by his children, Matthew McDonald (fiancé Beth May) of Raleigh, N.C., and Andrea (Dustin) Agan of Gastonia, N.C.; two granddaughters, Mackenzie and Caroline Agan; his former wife, Diane McDonald; six siblings, Jeff (Sandy) McDonald of Wilton, Delores (Jim) Larvick of Sparta, Rodney (Lynn) McDonald of Ripon, Wis., Jerry (Michelle) McDonald of Superior, Wis., Michael McDonald of Washington, Mo., and Patrick (Heather) McDonald of Norwalk; and many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his infant brother, Brian McDonald, and his grandparents, Gordon and Verona McDonald and Fred and Alda Kromke.
Dennis grew up in the De Soto area until 1969, when the family relocated to St. Mary’s Ridge, near Ontario. He graduated from Brookwood High School in 1975 and served a four-year tour in the United States Navy.
He married Diane Stoughtenger in 1978 and was the loving father of two children, Matt and Andrea. He enjoyed a successful career in logging, beginning in 1979 with Webster Lumber until he started his own logging company in the Sparta area a few years later. Dennis moved his business to Missouri, where he worked with his brother Mike. Dennis was also the proprietor of Denny Macs Tavern in Washington, Mo.
Denny had countless friends and was known as the grill master at family gatherings. He enjoyed life to the fullest and was known for his outgoing, open-hearted and hard-working personality. He was a devoted son, father, brother and friend.
Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Wednesday, Dec. 23, at Mount Pisgah Wesleyan Church in Ontario. Pastor Bob Streeter will officiate. Burial with full military honors will follow in Hilltop Rest Cemetery, Ontario. Family and friends are invited for visitation from 4–8 p.m. Tuesday at the Torkelson Page-Smith Funeral Home in Sparta and one hour prior to services Wednesday at the church in Ontario. The Torkelson Page-Smith Funeral Home in Sparta is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences are available at www.torkelsonfuneralhome.com.
