Phillip Ralph McDonald

PORTAGE – Phillip Ralph McDonald, age 85, of Portage, WI, was called home on October 22, 2023.  Phil re-joined the love of his life, Susann “Sue” Mae (Skogen) McDonald, who preceded him in death on January 2nd, 2015.

Phil was born November 15, 1937, in Wisconsin Dells, WI, the son of Orrie Garfield McDonald and Lottie Mae (Barton) McDonald and grew up and spent most of his childhood working on the family farm.  He was the youngest son, with six brothers and seven sisters.  He married Sue on April 19, 1958, at the United Methodist Church in Portage, WI.

Phil will be sadly missed by his family and many friends he made during his years working at the shoe factory, Rodney Gifford Construction, Davis Construction and Meigs Asphalt.  Phil enjoyed fishing and spending time with his family at the cottage they owned on Mulhern Lake.

Phil is survived by his daughter, Kelly (Phil) Wade;  grandson, William “Billy” Schultz, Jr.; his son, Timothy (Diane Roy) McDonald; his sister, Barbara (Darwin) Wolfgram;  his brother, Donald (Myra) McDonald;  many nieces, nephews and friends;  and a very special and dear friend, Rita Preuss.  He was preceded in death by his parents, his brothers, Orriel, Maurice, Angus (Tom), Chester and Mathew; his sisters, Jane, Sheila, Agatha (Mickie), Patricia, Olive and Iris, and his wife, Sue.  

Private family funeral services will be held at Phil’s request.

We would like to thank Agrace Hospice and Bob Mendrala and the staff at Pflanz Mendrala Funeral Home.

Pflanz Mendrala Funeral Home in Portage is assisting the family. 

In Loving Memory Dad
He never looked for praises
He was never one to boast
He just went on quietly working
For the ones he loved the most.

His dreams were seldom spoken
His wants were very few
And most of the time his worries
Went unspoken too.

He was there…..  A firm foundation
Through all the storms of life
A sturdy hand to hold on to
In times of stress and strife.

A true friend I could turn to
When times were good or bad
One of my greatest blessings
The man that was my dad.
Love, Your Daughter