ALICE MARIE MCDONALD
Alice Marie McDonald passed away on Wednesday, August 7, 2013, at Crestview in New Lisbon after a long journey. Alice was a woman of faith and was truly a most caring, giving, loving person. Her nurturing nature came full circle as others found joy in caring for her during her last years. As difficult as it was to watch her vitality and life slip away, she continued to bless and be blessed by those around her.
Alice was born October 24, 1940, to Elmer and Genevieve Mueller. She was the oldest of their fourteen children. Her role as big sister and 2nd mother to her younger siblings groomed her to become the amazing wife, mother, and grandmother that she was. She was born and grew up in the Keyesville, WI, area and later moved to Mauston. She graduated from Madonna High School in 1958. She worked at Schultz Brothers in Mauston as a bookkeeper. Her future husband discovered her in those days, and immediately knew that was the girl he was going to marry.
She married Fredric McDonald at St. Paul’s Catholic Church in New Lisbon on June 2, 1962. They started their life together at a small home on Castle Rock Lake. Six of their seven daughters were born during the years at the lake. Alice took cake decorating classes in the years after her twins were born and discovered yet another one of her talents. In 1976, they sold their home and moved the family to town into the house that continues to be home. Alice continued her cake decorating, making countless cakes. Her specialty was wedding cakes, including one for each of her daughters. She went to work at New Lisbon IGA as the girls were growing up and moving out on their own. She enjoyed many years of working there and developing friendships that have lasted a lifetime. The role of grandmother suited her perfectly. She excitedly welcomed her 22 grandchildren into the world and wrapped her heart around each one of them.
She was a devoted member of St. Paul’s Catholic Church for over 50 years. A true servant of God, she was a church leader every stage of her life- singing in the choir, teaching religious education , leading the ladies altar society, and organizing and serving on the funeral committee.
Alice will be missed by so many, but especially by her surviving family and most especially Fred, her devoted husband of 51 years. Her seven daughters and their husbands; Kristie (Todd) Bunker, New Lisbon; Cheryl (Randy) Weiland, New Lisbon; Connie (Gene) Gibson, Colfax, WI; Nancy (Gary) Cowan, New Lisbon; Colleen (Greg) Grovesteen, Tomah, WI; Collette (Dan) Schultz, New Lisbon; and Jennifer (James) Redelsheimer, Plymouth, MN. Her pride and joy, her 22 grandchildren: Garrett Bunker, Kinsey Smith, Elliott Bunker, Jacob Smith, Reed Gibson, Chance Smith, Emma Bunker, Lydia Weiland, Kaylee Grovesteen, Grady Gibson, Margo Weiland, Logan Grovesteen, Sidney Schultz, Drew Gibson, Simon Schultz, Carson Grovesteen, Mallory Cowan, Carly Redelsheimer, Grant Redelsheimer, Sophie Weiland, Abigail Redelsheimer and Garrison Cowan. Alice is further survived by her six sisters, six of her seven brothers, Fred’s three sisters and many, many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents and 1 brother.
Alice was a beloved woman through all the days of her life. As she experiences God’s promise of eternal peace, her faith, love of family, and caring and nurturing spirit will live on.
A Mass of Christian Burial was held on Monday August 12, 2013 at 1:00pm at St. Paul’s Catholic Church in New Lisbon with Fr. George Nelson Graham presiding. Relatives and friends were invited to a visitation at St. Paul’s Catholic Church on Sunday from 4:00pm till 7:00pm. Burial will be in St. Paul’s Catholic Cemetery. Online condolences are available at www.harefuneralhome.com