John Edward McDonald

John Edward McDonald, age 78, of Albia, IA, passed away on Tuesday, May 28, 2024, at the Prestige Care Center in Fairfield, IA. John was born on May 20, 1946, in Iowa City, IA, to Carl Edward and Dorothy Pauline (Anderson) McDonald. He grew up attending school and graduated from the Albia High School with the class of 1964 before attending college in Dubuque, IA. John worked as a welder for Pittsburgh Des Moines Steel for several years. He later became self-employed, owning and operating McDonald’s Welding. He met the love of his life, Nancy Ann (Vance) Hope, in 1971. John and Nancy were married on December 2, 1991, in Las Vegas, NV. John and Nancy shared 30 years of marriage prior to Nancy’s passing on December 12, 2021. John had a love for flying and owned a Cessna 140. He enjoyed the outdoors, hunting and fishing. In his younger years, he was an Eagle Scout and enjoyed rodeoing. John loved to visit with others, tell stories, and never knew a stranger. His true joy in life was spending time with his family and friends. John is survived by 2 stepchildren, Janie (Jeff Anderson) Hope and Roger Hope; 3 step grandchildren, Keifer Hope, Morgan Lockhart, and Kiera Hope; 3 step great grandchildren, Hope Cloke, Isabel Fisher, and Macey Fisher; and his siblings, Mary Jo (Scott) Mills, Sue (Larry) Denner, and Tom (Joann) McDonald. John is also survived by several nieces, nephews, cousins, and good friends. He was preceded in death by his wife, Nancy; his parents, Carl and Dorothy McDonald; and 2 stepchildren, Rodney and Gary Hope. Visitation will be held from 4:00 p.m.-8:00 p.m. on Wednesday, June 5, 2024, at the Tharp Funeral Home in Albia, with John’s family present throughout to greet family and friends. Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, June 6, 2024, at the Tharp Funeral Home in Albia, with Pastor John Sowers officiating. Per John’s wishes, his body will be cremated following the service. A procession will form at the Tharp Funeral Home at 4:00 p.m. on Thursday, June 6, 2024, for burial at Selection Cemetery. A memorial has been established to Selection Cemetery.

John Edward McDonald

May 20, 1946 - May 28, 2024