Paul George McDonald

Paul "PG" George McDonald, was born on August 1, 1940, in Manchester, Iowa, to his parents George E. & Janet (Henderson) McDonald. Paul and his family grew up in Waterloo and Paul graduated Orange High School in Waterloo, with the class of 1958. After high school, Paul began his long career at John Deere, retiring as supervisor in the hydraulic department, after 34 years of service.

On May 20, 1961, Paul was united to the love of his life, Marlys Foulk, at the First Presbyterian Church in Waterloo. The couple were overjoyed to welcome 3 children into their family. Although Paul retired from a long career, that did not stop his drive to keep working and stay busy. In his later years, Paul worked at Friendship Village in Waterloo, where he transported the residents.

When Paul wasn't busy working, he kept very active, especially in his community. His memberships included being a faithful member of the St. Paul Presbyterian Church in Washburn, where he was a part of the church choir, he worked as the groundskeeper and had many other different roles there. He was a one time a Justice of the Peace of Cedar Township, a reserve officer in Washburn, member of the Isaak Walton League, member of the Moose Lodge, secretary of Cedar Township, and was an integral part of the Waterloo West High Booster Club; being a past president and vice president and Paul and Marlys started the tradition of the famous "custom ceramic dolls" that were gifted to the students.

Paul was affectionately referred to as "Santa Claus", a role he played in the community and with his own family. He was infamous for his custom hog roasting and everyone knew if they wanted a hog roast, Paul was the guy to go to. He enjoyed road trips with his wife Marlys, especially making their way to as many of their grandkids' sporting and school activities. He loved his card club, his friends, and bike riding, in his younger years. Paul was a very active and loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather and the list goes on and on. Paul had a calmness to him that was warm and inviting. He defined happiness and was always dependable. Although his family will miss him dearly, their memories of him bring them comfort in the days ahead.

He is survived by his daughters Diane McDonald of Polk City, Iowa, Jan (Doug) Coffin of Washburn and son Mark (Dee) McDonald of Adel, Iowa; grandchildren Lauryn Elliott, Lindsey (Zach) Baker, Lesley (CJ) Pace, Morgan (Beau) Hook, Jacob McDonald (Holly Sesker), Nathan McDonald, Madee McDonald and Sami McDonald; great-grandchildren Noah, Henry, Campbell and Lydia; siblings Craig McDonald, Kent (Carol) McDonald, Gary (Lynn) McDonald, Don (Lydia) McDonald and Deb (Tim) Mortvedt; many nieces and nephews and countless friends. Paul rejoins in Heaven his parents; wife Marlys.

Paul passed away peacefully with his family by his side on Friday, March 10, 2023, at the Cedar Valley Hospice Home in Waterloo. Memorial visitation for Paul will be held on Saturday, March 25th from 9:00 AM until the time of the memorial service at 11:00 AM at Locke Funeral Home at Tower Park, 4140 Kimball Avenue, Waterloo, Iowa. Inurnment will be held privately by the family, at a later date. Memorials may be directed to the family. For memories of Paul and messages of condolence, please visit www.lockefuneralservices.com