Patrick G. McDonell, 90
Patrick George McDonell, 90, of Hudson died on Tuesday, March 24, in Hutchinson, Minn., while visiting his son Tom over St. Patrick’s Day.
Patrick George McDonell, 90, of Hudson died on Tuesday, March 24, in Hutchinson, Minn., while visiting his son Tom over St. Patrick’s Day.
He was born the son of John and Rose (Plante) McDonell on Oct. 25, 1918, in Chippewa Falls, Wis. He was the ninth of 11 children. Pat attended Holy Ghost grade school and Chippewa Falls junior and senior high schools.
In January of 1936, he joined the Civil Conservation Corps (CCC) Camp. He would work there until March of 1939 to help support his family.
Pat went on to enlist in the U.S. National Guard (July 11, 1939-Aug. 2, 1940) and then the U.S. Navy. His naval training began at Great Lakes in Illinois, which led him to service time on the USS Cleveland, USS Relief (a hospital ship), the USS Morrison and the USS Atlanta. He spent five years in the Navy during WWII, after which he was decorated with the American Defense Ribbon, Europe O Africa – Mid-East (1 star), American Area Ribbon, Asiatic Pacific Ribbon (9 stars), and the Good Conduct Medal. Pat was a lifetime VFW member.
On Nov. 30, 1942, he was united in marriage to his childhood sweetheart, Ione E. Willi, in South Mills, N.C. They would be blessed with four children, Nancy Joan, Susan Jane, Michael Patrick and Thomas Robert.
Pat spent his working life as a meat cutter, working for Henry Willi Grocery Store in Chippewa Falls. Later, he would work at Brine’s Meat Market & Hooley’s Grocery Store, both in Stillwater, Minn., as well as Krogers & Piggly Wiggly stores in St. Paul. Even after his retirement, he cut meat part time at Red Owl & Super Valu stores in Hudson.
Pat processed deer on the side, using the proceeds to fund trips and vacations, which gave him the greatest pleasure. He had an incredible work ethic and always took pride in what he did.
Pat was notorious for his story telling – of which a different version of the same story was told to several people; this was most evident at Starr’s Bar. He cheered for the Vikings, enjoyed playing cards, and was always up for ice skating. In his ’70s, he and Ione began camping and pursuing the love of the outdoors, especially canoeing and fishing.
Pat was truly a family man and the patriarch of the McDonell Family. He adored his grandchildren and would often say to them, “Come into my arms, you bundle of charm!”
He is survived by his wife, Ione; daughters, Nancy Hasledalen (Ken) of Hudson and Susan Skogen (Wayne) of Gilbert, Ariz.; sons, Michael McDonell (Becky) of Hudson and Thomas McDonell of Silver Lake, Minn.; brother, James McDonell (Francis) of Pennsylvania; 11 grandchildren; 22 great-grandchildren; many nieces, nephews and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents, eight brothers, one sister, and his great-great granddaughter, Madyson Schmidt.
A Mass of Christian Burial for Patrick McDonell was at 11 a.m. Friday, March 27, at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, 1500 Vine St., Hudson.
Interment was in St. Patrick’s Parish Cemetery with honors provided by the Hudson VFW. Active casketbearers were Sandi Burton, Patrick McDonell, Bill Scholz, Nathan Scholz, Matthew Scholz, Katie McGaffigan and Kenneth Stage with all of his grandchildren serving as honorary casketbearers.
Visitation was Thursday, March 26, from 6 until 8 p.m. at O’Connell Family Funeral Home of Hudson.
Tags: obituaries, hudson, patrick_mcdonell
Comments posted on this page do not reflect opinions of Forum Communications Company. Forum Communications Company does not endorse and is not responsible for any statement, opinion, advice given or made. All replies are subject to approval and must follow Forum Communications Company guidelines concerning statements of libel, personal attacks or defamation of character. Replies in the "Talk About It" section that criticize a person by name may not be posted, unless that person is openly involved in a public issue. Comments written in all capital letters or bold print will not be considered for inclusion in the forum.
RSS Feeds