Theodore F. McDonald

Theodore (Ted) Franklin McDonald was born on May 13, 1936. He grew up and attended school in Marseilles, Illinois where he lived with his aunt and uncle, Harry and Clara Pfoutz. He passed away on October 27, 2026, after a brief illness.

Visitation will be held Saturday (Oct. 31st) from 10AM until 12noon at the Winterrowd Funeral Home with burial following at the Riverview Cemetery.

On August 17, 1957, Ted married the love of his life, Charolette Rose McDonald. Their marriage was a cherished part of his life, and when Rose passed, she was deeply missed by Ted. Their love and the memories they shared remained close to his heart.

Ted is survived by his children; Spencer (Sharon) McDonald, Shelly Kay Bertschi, Sue (Clyde) Baker, Brenda Callahan, Bonny (Jim) Zavada, Becky (Gary) Jennings, and Serena Saubert. He is also survived by 55 grandchildren and great grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Charolette Rose, his son, Theodore (Jamie) McDonald, his mother, Frances (Blood) McDonald, and his sister, Joan McGoom.

Ted served in the U.S. Army with the 82nd Airborne Division from December 1954 until December 1956. He loved to tell stories about Lou Rawls, who he served and spent time with in the service.

Ted began his construction company, TFM Construction, and worked for many years in Streator, Illinois. He also enjoyed working as a realtor for Washington Square Realty and Katie Troccoli, who became a great friend to Ted and his family.

Ted’s life was marked by the family he loved and the relationships he held dear. He will be remembered by those who knew and loved him, and his memory will live on through his children and the generations that follow.