Lawrence McDonald

Lawrence E. "Larry" McDonald, age 89 passed away at his home in Truman, WI, on Thursday, September 23, 2021. He was born September 16, 1932 in Darlington the son of Patrick W. and Elizabeth (McKeon) McDonald. Larry grew up in Truman, WI where he attended Hazel Valley at Truman Elementary and graduated from Belmont High School in 1950. In February 1957, Larry was drafted in the United States Army, was honorably discharged in November 1958 and subsequently served for the Army Corps Reserve. He was united in marriage to the love of his life, Catherine "Susie" Prem on June 25, 1960 at St. Luke's Catholic Church in Plain, WI. Following their marriage, they farmed together in Truman. Larry was proud of the work they did on the farm. The farm was recognized as a Century Farm in 2013 and received the Lafayette County Land Conservation Award in 2001. After farming, Larry worked several years at Lands End. Upon retirement, he took pride in maintaining the over 20,000 trees he and Catherine planted on the family farm.Larry is survived by his wife Catherine at home; his children: Diane (Kirk) Patterson, David (Deb) McDonald, Linda (Gary) Siegenthaler, and Steven (Ann) McDonald; his grandchildren: Denise, Dana, Connor, Camryn, Derek, Dylan, Sara, Lily, Owen, and Ava; his great-grandchildren: Lawrence "Ren", Oliver, Ryker, and Ada; two brothers: Patrick McDonald and Ray (Camilla) McDonald; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; parents-in-law: Joseph and Catherine (Lehner) Prem; an infant daughter: Janet; two brothers: James (Mary) McDonald and Leo Francis McDonald in infancy; five sisters: Kathryn (James) Quinn, Anna (Joe) Donahoe, Judy (Cletus) Byrnes, Marie (Bernie) Kliebenstein, and Teresa (George) Lehner; and sister-in-law: Lorna Mae McDonald.Larry was a member of Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Truman, WI, the Catholic Order of Foresters (C.O.F.), was proud to be a member of Belmont American Legion for 64 years and charter member of the National WWII Museum. Larry was a very talented singer and loved to do so with his brothers, especially on St. Patrick's Day. He loved spending time outdoors; farming, landscaping, hunting, and going on fishing trips with his family. He was an avid sports fan, always cheering on his children and grandchildren, Badgers, Brewers, and Packers. When Larry wasn't busy working he enjoyed his "bird watching" trips along the Mississippi with Dave and Dorothy Gorman, watching Westerns and war movies, snacking on ice cream and sneaking a handful of chocolate covered peanuts, reading, and maintaining his IH Tractors. Larry had a great sense of humor and had a knack for putting people at ease with his quick wit. He cherished the time spent with his family and friends, creating memories they will all remember forever. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Tuesday, September 28, 2021 at 11:00 A.M. at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church with Rev. Luke Syse and Rev. Joji Reddy con-celebrating. Burial will be held in Immaculate Conception Church Cemetery where military graveside rites will be accorded by Hinkins-Moody American Legion Post #453 of Belmont. A visitation will be held Monday, September 27, 2021 from 5:00 P.M. until 8:00 P.M. where a rosary will be prayed at 4:30 P.M. at Holy Rosary Catholic Church (104 E. Harriet St., Darlington) and one hour prior to the funeral at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church (20984 County Hwy Z, Darlington) in Truman. Following the funeral service and burial, there will be a luncheon at the Bates-O'Brien-Howe-Wiegel-Roelli American Legion Post #214 of Darlington (1400 Keep Street, Darlington). The Erickson Funeral Home in Darlington is serving the family. Online condolences may be expressed to the family at www.ericksonfuneralhome.com. For those who prefer, a memorial fund has been established in Larry's name. The family would like to thank Sentinel Home Care - especially Luann Donahoe for the exceptional care of Larry over the past year.