C. Michael “Mike” McDonald
C. Michael “Mike” McDonald
Cedar Rapids
C. Michael “Mike” McDonald, 79, of Cedar Rapids, passed away on Nov. 15, 2023, at UnityPoint-St. Luke’s Hospital. Visitation will be held Monday, Nov. 20 from 5 to 7 p.m. at Cedar Memorial Chapel of Memories Stateroom. Funeral will be held Tuesday, Nov. 21 at 1 p.m. at First Lutheran Church in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. The link to the service livestream can be found at https://firstlutherancr.online.church/
Mike was born July 27, 1944 in Sunflower, Kan., to Carl and Hilda (Harrison) McDonald. He graduated in 1962 from Jefferson High School where he was a National Merit Scholar and a varsity swimmer. He graduated from the University of Iowa in 1966 with a bachelor’s degree in psychology. He then completed two years of law school before being drafted into the army during Vietnam. After returning from Vietnam he was an owner/operator of McDonald Oil Company on E Avenue NW. Mike later returned to the University of Iowa and received his Master’s degree in business as well as his CPA in 1981, before beginning his career as a college professor at Coe College in the business department. He retired in 2005.
Mike was united in marriage to Lucinda Ritenour in 1966 at First Lutheran Church in Cedar Rapids. Their union was blessed with three children, J.P, Katie and Josh. He was a devoted father who never missed an event for his children. He loved being a grandpa and took great pride in the accomplishments of his grandchildren. Mike was an avid reader throughout his life. He also devoted himself to service to others, working as volunteer treasurer of Foundation 2 Crisis Services for many years. Mike accepted the hand of Bill W. in saving his marriage and family, holding tightly to it for 44 years. He was an excellent cook and took pride in passing down family recipes. He was also an accomplished handyman who was proud of maintaining his home.
Those left to cherish Mike’s memory are his children, J.P. (Sue) McDonald of Marion, Katie Chism of Cedar Rapids and Josh (Lauren) McDonald of North Liberty; grandchildren Andy and Allie McDonald, Colton and Cade Chism, Elaina, Elise and Nora McDonald; as well as his nephews, Kevin, Barry and Chris Shank.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Carl and Hilda; his wife Lucinda; and sister Elizabeth Shank Derby.
The family would like to thank Dr. Jason Booth and the staff at The Gardens of Cedar Rapids for their care for Mike over the years.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Foundation 2 Crisis Center in Cedar Rapids.
Condolences may be left online at www.cedarmemorial.com under Obituaries.