Robert McDonald

Robert Duane McDonald, 76, of Fisher, MN, died peacefully early Wednesday morning, February 1, 2012, at Edgewood Vista in East Grand Forks, MN. Bob was born in Grand Forks, ND, on February 21, 1935, and was the only child of John C. and Emily (Benson) McDonald. He grew up on the farm, was baptized at Bethel Presbyterian Church near Mallory, and was confirmed at Fisher Lutheran Church in Fisher. He attended country school and graduated from Fisher High School in 1953. Bob furthered his education at the University of Minnesota-St. Paul, where he earned an Associate Degree in Agriculture. On January 25, 1956 he entered the US Army and served as a Radar Operator with the 23rd Battalion in Germany. Following his honorable discharge on January 11, 1958, he returned to the farm. On June 24, 1960, Bob was united in marriage to Etta Mae Wagner at Trinity Lutheran Church in Fisher. The couple made their home in Nesbit Township and together raised three children: Rebecca, Debra, and John. Bob farmed through 1999, and upon retirement was very proud to turn the entire operation over to his son, John. Though he never worked the fields again there was never any doubt that farming was Bob's life. Bob was a member of Fisher Lutheran Church, where he served on the council and was a past-president of the congregation. He also held memberships in the Theodore Stalemo American Legion Post of Fisher; was a past-president and longtime board member of the Fisher Farmers Co-op Elevator; served several terms on the Nesbit Township board and was past-president; was a past-president and board member of the West Polk County Farm Bureau; and belonged to the Red River Valley Sugarbeet Growers' Association. In 1990 he and Etta were honored by the Polk County Extension Service as recipients of the West Polk County Outstanding Farm Family of the Year. Bob was a beloved husband, father, and grandfather who leaves his family with a legacy of honor and integrity. He was very kind-hearted and hard working, and took great joy in helping friends, and neighbors. He touched the hearts and lives of many and will be dearly missed by all. Mourning Bob's loss is Etta, his loving wife of fifty-one years; 3 children: Rebecca (Michael) Brusky of Omaha, NE, Debra McDonald of Elk River, MN, and John (Nancy) McDonald of Fisher, MN; 4 grandchildren: Emily and Naomi Kirkvold, and Adam and Elizabeth McDonald; 3 brothers-in-law, Dale (Sharon) Wagner of Springfield, MO, William (Helen) Wagner of Roseau, MN, and Roger (Cheryl) Wagner of Fisher, MN; and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and other relatives. May God richly bless the memory of Robert Duane McDonald. A funeral service celebrating the life of Bob McDonald will be held at 10:30 a.m., Saturday, February 4, 2012, at the Fisher Lutheran Church in Fisher, MN, with The Rev. Karen Trenne Young officiating. Visitation will be at the Stenshoel-Houske Funeral Home on Friday from 5-7:00 p.m., with a 7:00 p.m. prayer service, and also at the church for one hour prior to the funeral. Interment will be in the Fisher Lutheran Cemetery. Military Honors will be provided by the Theodore Stalemo American Legion Post of Fisher, MN.

Funeral Home: Stenshoel-Houske Funeral Home 615 South Minnesota Street Crookston, MN US 56716

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Previous Events

Visitation
Friday, February 3, 2012
Service
Saturday, February 4, 2012
cemetery
Saturday, February 4, 2012