Dr. Kathleen McDonald

Dr. Kathleen Marie McDonald, age 74, of Spring Green, Wisconsin, passed away peacefully on May 6, 2026, at Upland Hills Health in Dodgeville.  Born on January 18, 1952, in Dodgeville.  Kathleen was the cherished daughter of Frank and Agnes J. (Reichling) McDonald

Kathleen grew up in Darlington and graduated from Darlington High School in 1970.   She continued her education at the University of Wisconsin-Platteville, where she received her bachelor’s degree in 1973 and her master’s degree in 1974.  A few years later, she returned to school to pursue her lifelong passion for helping others through chiropractic care.  She earned her Doctorate in Chiropractic from the Palmer College of Chiropractic in Davenport, Iowa in 1982.  Kathleen began her career practicing in Sun Prairie, before opening her own clinic, River Valley Chiropractic, in Spring Green in 1983.  Through years of hard work, dedication and compassion for her patients, she built and operated a successful business that became a meaningful part of the community.

Kathleen loved being part of the small-town life of Spring Green and volunteered her time and talents to many community groups and events. She was a member of St. John's Catholic Church in Spring Green. She was a co-chairperson for the annual Spring Green Arts & Crafts Fair, and served as secretary on the Spring Green Community Center volunteer board.  She was an active member of the Bloomin’ Buddies Garden Club and served as vice-president of the Friends of the Library Committee.  Kathleen was a member of the River Valley Stitchers and also worked ceaselessly on the Linus Project, making countless quilts for charity.  Through all these activities, Kathleen developed close friendships that have lasted a lifetime. 

Kathleen enjoyed many hobbies.  She loved gardening and sewing, especially quilts.  She knitted and crocheted, and was never without multiple library books on her coffee table and nightstand.  She loved reading works by Irish authors and listening to Irish music, especially bagpipes, while relaxing with her beloved cats. 

Known for her intelligence, independence and caring nature, Kathleen devoted much of her life to serving others through her profession.  She took pride in the relationships she built with her patients and valued the opportunity to help improve the lives of those she cared for.  Though never married, Kathleen shared a close bond with her family and remained deeply connected to her many nieces and nephews throughout her life. 

Kathleen is survived by her brothers:  Joseph McDonald, Patrick McDonald and his wife Kathryn, Robert McDonald and his wife Kay, and her sister Jean McDonald.  She is also survived by her sister-in-law Diana McDonald.  She is further survived by eleven nieces and nephews and ten great-nieces and great nephews.  She was preceded in death by her parents and her siblings: Michael McDonald, Anita McDonald, Daniel McDonald, Phillip McDonald, Mary Gershon, Terrance “Terry” McDonald and Gregory McDonald, her sister-in-law Cathy McDonald, and her nephew Kevin McDonald.

A Memorial Mass will be held at Holy Rosary Catholic Church on Saturday, May 23, 2026 at 11 a.m. with Fr. Michael Resop officiating.  Visitation will be held at the church from 10:00 a.m. until 10:45 a.m. prior to the service.  Internment will follow at Holy Rosary Catholic Cemetery.  The Erickson Funeral Home in Darlington is serving the family.  Kathleen’s life was one of dedication, compassion and quiet strength, and she will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her.