Dennis Lowell Mcdonald

Dennis Lowell McDonald was born December 12, 1937 and grew up in Piedmont Hillside attending St. Clements School. His father Francis was of Ojibwe and Scottish heritage, his mother Margaret was born to Swedish immigrants.

When asked what he was most proud of in his lifetime Dennis replied, “I’m proud that I always worked.” At 13 years old Dennis was hired by a Duluth moving company which he recalled being “so big they didn’t know [he] wasn’t of age.” Growing up in the bustling Twin Ports he would earn money as a pool shark, a bartender, at Greyhound before relocating to Fargo, ND with his first wife and children as a tobacco salesman, later was a taxi driver, food salesman with Log House Foods, a ranger at Nemadji Golf Course, and railroad crew driver among many other professions. He attended UMD and was a liaison officer for adult Native American education working closely with tribes in the region to support native scholars—he was a registered member of the White Earth Nation.

Dennis is best known by his friends and family as a storyteller and would entertain them with stories from the (mis)adventures of his life, often punctuating them with heartfelt laughter. It is his laugh that his second wife and soulmate, Rita M. McDonald recognized from across the room at R.T. Quinlan’s in October 1983 after meeting him once in ’82 at The Amber Flow in West Duluth. Their first “date” was meant to be a financial advising meeting for Dennis ending the next day at 10:00AM—it was the start of a relationship filled with mutual love, respect, adoration and deep friendship.

Dennis believed in hard work, integrity, and honor of one’s character. He believed in respect for all people—friendship being an important part of his identity. He met life’s challenges with a tough fighting spirit and a heart filled with joy and laughter—often citing Rita as a source of his strength. Dennis L. McDonald passed at 1:42AM on Saturday, May 19th, 2018 in Duluth, MN at St. Luke’s Hospital with his wife by his side—he was 80 years old.

He is survived by his loving wife and best friend Rita M. McDonald (Preston/Stalvig) of Billings Park, Superior; siblings Corinne McDonald, Marsha (Phillip) Jones, Dale (Patty) Smith, “Billy” William Smith, all of Duluth; children Elizabeth Gibson—Duluth, Christine McDonald—Minneapolis, Tamara (Ernesto) Gutierrez—Superior, Shawn (Andrea) McDonald—Duluth, Kirk (Paula) McDonald—Superior, Wade McDonald (Duluth); many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, cousins, nephews, nieces and countless good friends.

He is preceded in death by his stepson, Jerrick (Todd) Stalvig, and parents, Francis and Margaret McDonald.
A Celebration of Dennis’s life will be held from 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM Saturday, May 26, 2018, in the Downs-LeSage Funeral Home, 1304 Hammond Avenue, Superior.

Immediately following the service, a luncheon will be held at the Top Hat Tavern, 705 Tower Avenue, Superior.

Rita and family extend their deepest gratitude to the many health-care professionals for their tenacious care, support and love offered to Dennis and Rita with special recognition to St. Luke’s Hospital and Villa Marina in Superior.

The Downs-LeSage Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements. To leave a condolence or sign the guestbook, please visit our website at www.downs-lesage.com .