Allan McDonald

Allan F. McDonald of Rio, WI, passed away from natural causes Tuesday, August 5, 2025 at his home. He was born on December 1, 1935, in Ladysmith, WI, the son of Floyd McDonald and Estelle (Paradise) McDonald. Allan was married to his high school sweetheart, Laurie LaGesse on November 25, 1954, who were married for 70 years. Allan lived a very full and active life. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, trapping, camping, golfing, horseback riding, farming, woodworking, flying his private plane and traveling the world. Over the years he took many trips out west to hunt Mule deer, antelope and elk. He also took many trips to Canada to hunt bear and moose, and fish for Walleye Pike and Northern Pike. One of his favorite places was his cabin in Rio, where family and friends enjoyed hunting, fishing on the ponds, riding runners and late night fires in the woods. Allan and his family moved from Madison to a small farm in Rio, WI, in February of 1964 where they raised cattle, chickens, rabbits and mink, and corn and soybeans. He worked for Oscar Mayer for 30 years and retired at age 48. During retirement he was a partner in a pawn shop on Williamson Street in Madison for several years. He then went to work for his son as a Field Service Technician traveling the world installing and repairing packaging machinery. He was extremely handy and could fix almost anything. This job had him traveling all over the United States and many foreign countries. It seemed that no matter where he went in the world he would run into someone he knew. We always said “he never met a stranger” and was known for his stories and his “gift of gab”. For this reason we referred to him as “Senator McDonald”. During this time he had the opportunity to travel to Siberia, Russia, which was his favorite business trip. His son always joked that "he got to send his father to Siberia". While retired, he also took a six-week trip to Alaska where he went everywhere and anywhere, enjoying the scenery and culture of Alaska. He also volunteered his time at the Columbia County Republican Party Office, and was a 32nd Degree Mason and a Shriner. Allan was preceded in death by his parents, Floyd McDonald and Estelle (Paradise) McDonald, his sister, Marleen (McDonald) Carlson, and his son-in-law, Michael Garvin. He is survived by his wife, Laurie (LaGesse) McDonald, his son, Mike McDonald [Donna (Furman) McDonald], his daughter, June (McDonald) Garvin [Mike Garvin], his 4 grandchildren, Jamie McDonald, Ryan McDonald, Cody Garvin, Jordan Garvin, and his brothers, Barry McDonald and Tommy McDonald. He also had 3 great-grandchildren.

Cremation Society of Wisconsin, Altoona is assisting the family. Online condolences may be shared at www.cremationsociety-wi.com.