Jerry McDonald

Jerry Rex McDonald, 79, of Alden, passed away in his home on Wednesday, July 22, 2020 .  He was born on September 20, 1940 in Alden, MI the son of John and Mildred (Grove) McDonald.

Jerry graduated from Mancelona High School and soon after began working at Lamina Bronze as a machinist.  He was employed there for 42 years, and he was very passionate about his work. Throughout the 1960’s, Jerry raced snowmobiles and he was proud of the trophies he collected. He was very involved in the Chain-O-Lakes softball league, both as a player and a coach for the team sponsored by the Bellaire Bar. Jerry loved sports, especially his Detroit Tigers and the University of Michigan football team. Jerry was a lifelong Alden resident and loved the family ranch.  Taking care of and riding the horses was one the joys of his life.  He enjoyed spending time at the Grass River Natural Area and observing the animals that ventured from there to his property.

Jerry had a strong work ethic and a vigor for life. There was nothing he enjoyed more than a long day of work on one of his various projects, especially with his brothers and daughter.

Jerry is survived by his two children, Ed McDonald of Charlotte, NC and Juli McDonald of Alden; two brothers, John (Carol) McDonald of Bellaire, and Ron (Bert) McDonald of Bellaire; and two grandchildren, Kevin Stachnik, and Katelyn (John) Olinik.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Ed and Millie Zimmer, and his sister, Lee McDonald.

The family will hold a private celebration of Jerry’s life later this summer.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Grass River Natural Area (GRNA) https://www.grassriver.org/donate-now.html ,  or at PO Box 231, Bellaire, MI  49615

Arrangements are in the care of the Bellaire Chapel of Mortensen Funeral Homes.  Please sign his online guestbook at www.mortensenfuneralhomes.com