Thomas Joseph McDonald

Thomas Joseph McDonald was born October 16, 1938, to Mark and Rose Mary Cunningham McDonald in Albert Lea. He graduated from Loyola High School in Mankato. After graduation, Tom was employed at Associated Grocers in Blooming Prairie and then Universal Milking Machines for 12 years. On February 21, 1969, he married Barbara Jean Johannsen in Albert Lea. The couple lived in New Ulm for 5 years before returning to the Albert Lea area where Tom managed the Twin Lakes Municipal Liquor Store, then worked for Jim & Dude's before managing the Conger Municipal Liquor Store. After retiring, he worked for Mattson Lawn Service and Karl's Car Quest as a delivery driver and was a volunteer driver for Senior Resources. Tom was a member of the Church of St. Theodore, the Knights of Columbus, Eagles, and Toastmasters. He enjoyed gardening and camping and was a Vikings and Twins fan. Tom was also a very talented artist. Survivors include his wife, Barbara; son, Michael and his wife, Kerrie of Vancouver, WA; grandchildren: Michelle, Molly, Kevin, of Lake Mills, IA., Chloe, and Mia of Vancouver, WA; step grandchildren, Ryan and Melanie Wirth; 2 step great-grandchildren; brother, Patrick and his wife, Jan McDonald of New Ulm; sisters, Mary and her husband, Phil Gelhorn of Braham, MN, and Helen and her husband, Al Santo of Honolulu, HI; sister-in-law, Elaine McDonald of Owatonna; and several nieces, nephews, and cousins. Brothers and sisters-in-law; Joe and Shirley Kopecek, Pemberton, MN., Joan and Hollis Grorud, Albert Lea and James Johannsen, Albert Lea. Tom was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, William McDonald.