Thomas McDonald Sr.

THOMAS F. MCDONALD SR.

Garnavillo

Thomas F. McDonald Sr., 87, of Garnavillo, Iowa, formerly of Cedar Rapids, passed away Tuesday, Dec. 5, 2017, at Manor Care in Cedar Rapids.

He is survived by his son, Thomas McDonald (Sonya); daughter, Maria McDonald-Overturf (Rich); grand-children, Zach, Jacob, Zoey, Trey, Alexander and Alyssa; and great-grandchildren, Bentley and Kinleigh. He also is survived by his half brother, Robert McDonald; numerous nephews and nieces; and his close friend, Sharon Jeffery.

Tom graduated from Roosevelt High School in Cedar Rapids while also serving in the Iowa National Guard. He then moved to California, where he attended West Contra Costa Junior College and graduated from Santa Monica College in 1957. He was active in theater, photography and fitness, and was an early member of the renowned Muscle Beach Weightlifting Club at Santa Monica Beach.

Tom worked several years at Douglas Aircraft Company, where he was later transferred to Lakenheath Air Force Base in England. He traveled Europe, spending some time in Spain. Moving back to Cedar Rapids, he sold real estate for Tate & Wagner and worked at Penick & Ford. After being injured on the job, he later enjoyed working at Red Wing for 17 years until his retirement. Tom's love of fishing had him retire to Guttenberg and later Garnavillo, where he'd go fishing with his nephews and nieces. He'd love to watch all Hawkeye sports and spend quality time with his beloved cat, Mickey Cheryl. A naturally talented dancer, Tom had a passion for music, especially jazz and big band.

Tom was preceded in death by his father, Thomas L. McDonald; mother, Mable B. Wagner; sisters, Marcella McCune and Shirley Drahozal; and dear friend, Carol Oberbroeckling.

Tom was cremated at Murdoch Funeral Home. Graveside service will be held at a later date.