Edward John McDonald

Edward John McDonald
February 14, 1960 - August 17, 2010
Marengo, Iowa
Visitation: 9 am until service time August 20, 2010 at Powell Funeral Home & Cremation Service, Williamsburg, Iowa
Funeral Service: 10:30 am August 20, 2010 at St. Mary's Catholic Church, Williamsburg, Iowa
Interment: , at St. Bernard's Cemetery, rural Millersburg, Iowa
Marengo - Edward John McDonald was born February 14, 1960, in the Marengo Hospital, and lived his childhood in and around North English and Williamsburg. The son of Charles (Wade) and Marie Elizabeth (Zuber) McDonald, and brother to four brothers and two sisters. Upon graduating from English Valley High School, he attended Kirkwood College briefly, and then became employed at University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics. He lived in Iowa City for several years. When he was twenty-five, he was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis. He battled with the disease until he succumbed twenty-five years later. Ed was known for his strong character. He had a fine, innate ability as a draftsman and a painter, and had a lifelong passion for chess, founding a chess club in his high school and winning all tournaments. Ed was a voracious reader, and loved history, philosophy and music. He had a strong, refined sense of humor, and relished every bit of a joke. His struggle with MS earned him much respect for his courage. He was good company. Ed died on Tuesday, August 17, 2010, at the Marengo Memorial Hospital, Marengo, at the age of 50 years. He is survived by four brothers: Charles (Kay) McDonald of Marion, Dan (Donna) McDonald of South Amana, David (Mary) McDonald of Cedar Rapids and Ben (Cindy) McDonald of Lutz, FL; and 2 sisters: Mary (Peter) Taft of Iowa City and Elizabeth (Rassoul) Ketabian of Carlsbad, CA; also numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents. He also leaves behind a family of care givers. Ed resided in Lone Tree Care Center for over seven years, where he was given great and dedicated care. In his last three years spent in the Marengo Memorial Hospital he received exemplary care, for which his family will be forever grateful. Funeral Mass will be held 10:30 AM on Friday, August 20, 2010, at St. Mary's Catholic Church, Williamsburg. Father Joseph Roost will officiate. Burial will be in the St. Bernard's Cemetery, rural Millersburg. Visitation will be on Friday from 9:00 AM until service time at the Powell Funeral Home, Williamsburg. A memorial fund has been established for the Marengo Memorial Hospital. Messages and tributes may be left at www.powellfuneralhomes.com under obituaries.