Janet McDonald

Janet Lorraine McDonald passed away on December 7, 2025, at the age of 86.

She was born on August 20, 1939, on her family’s farm in rural Darlington, Wisconsin. Her parents were Orville and Mary (Jacobson) Gille, who pre-deceased her.

Janet attended Mud Hollow Elementary School, and she graduated from Gratiot High School in May 1958. 

She married James J. McDonald on September 27, 1958, in St. Joseph Catholic Church, Gratiot, Wisconsin. They first lived in Madison where Jimmy was employed as an ironworker.

In 1959, they returned to Lafayette County to begin dairy farming.  Eventually they purchased the McDonald ancestral farm in 1970 where they continued farming until their retirement. Janet also held a variety of part-time jobs at Dorman Cheese, Swiss Colony, and with Preferred Living as a caregiver for the elderly.

She and Jimmy raised four children, and they were blessed with eleven grandchildren, two step-grandchildren, ten great-grandchildren, two step-great-grandchildren, and one great grandchild due in April 2026.  Janet cherished her family, and she took great joy and an active interest in all their lives.  She and Jimmy attended many school and athletic events, and they traveled widely to visit their grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She celebrated all their accomplishments and offered them wisdom freely and love without limits. She and Jimmy celebrated their 66th wedding anniversary in September 2024.

Janet often took her grandchildren on walks along the county roads to collect soda cans for recycling. She then taught them the lesson of sharing by taking them to buy toys for disadvantaged children with the proceeds (supplemented by her own money). She had a caring heart for stray animals and in their retirement years, she and Jimmy nursed two stray cats, Fluffy and Blackie, back to life. The cats, who survive her, gave her great joy and companionship.

Janet was a member of Wiota Lutheran Church. She was a woman of steadfast faith who trusted God in every aspect of her life. She maintained a strong prayer life to the very end.

Janet is survived by her children, Sheila (Richard) Probert, Richard (Lori) McDonald, David (Carmen) McDonald, and Marla (Doug Hesseltine) McDonald.

She was pre-deceased by her beloved husband, Jimmy, in July 2025, her parents, and two brothers, Carl Gille (who died in infancy) and Gerald Gille.

The family extends their deep appreciation to the staff of Sienna Crest Assisted Living, Agrace Hospice, and Peggy Steger for the loving care they gave to Janet during her last days.

Visitation will be at Wiota Lutheran Church (6650 Highway 78N, South Wayne, WI) on December 15, 2025, from 9:00AM to 11:15AM. Funeral service will begin at 11:30AM.

A rite of Christian burial will be at St. Joseph’s Catholic Cemetery, Gratiot, on December 15, 2025, following the luncheon.

Charitable donations in memory of Janet may be made to Wiota Lutheran Church, 6650 Highway 78N, South Wayne, WI 53587: Agrace Hospice Foundation, 5395 E. Cheryl Parkway, Madison, WI 53711, or the charity of your choice.