Catherine "Katie" McDonald

Catherine “Katie” McDonald, age 85, of Bell Center, WI, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, August 13, 2025, at Maplewood in Sauk Prairie.

Katie was born on July 15, 1940, in Chicago, IL, to Michael and Mary (Monahan) Duggan. She was the only one of her siblings born in a hospital. A proud member of the first graduating class of Queen of Martyrs Grammar School in 1954, she later attended Morgan Park High School. Katie was known for her beautiful natural curly hair, her outgoing and bubbly personality, and her unwavering sense of purpose.

Her connection to Wisconsin began early, spending cherished time with aunts, uncles, and cousins, often helping care for their families. Eventually, she met the love of her life, James “Jim” McDonald, and they were married on April 23, 1960, at Queen of Martyrs Catholic Church in Chicago. They lived in Bristol, WI, while Jim worked at American Motors.In 1962, Jim was drafted into the Army, and the couple spent two years at Fort McPherson in Atlanta, Georgia. Upon returning to Bell Center, they worked in the family business, The McDonald’s Store, in both Bell Center and Gays Mills. Katie became a devoted mother with the arrival of Kara in 1972 and Amy in 1975 — the greatest joy of her life. She was grateful to be home with her daughters as they grew, and her family remained her top priority. She embraced her role within the McDonald family, stayed close to her Chicago relatives, with daily conversations, and lovingly babysat Shelby and Brian. Although her heart remained in Bell Center, after Jim’s passing, she enjoyed several years in Prairie du Sac, with Troy, Kara, Mackenna, and Keaton.

Katie is survived by her daughter, Kara (Troy) Murphy of Prairie du Sac, WI; grandchildren, Mackenna and Keaton Murphy; her brother, Tom Duggan; sisters, Margie McClelland, Theresa Gillespie, and Fran Mintle; sister-in-law, Jan Fillbach; brother-in-law, Joe (Jan) McDonald; as well as many beloved nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, James McDonald; her daughter, Amy Jo McDonald; her sister, Mary (Frank) Johnson; sister-in-law, Patricia Duggan; brothers-in-law, Sandy McClelland, Andy Gillespie, Tom Mintle, and William Fillbach; and sister-in-law, Rosemary Liggett.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, August 16, 2025, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Gays Mills, with Fr. Tom Huff officiating. Visitation will be held from Noon until 1:45 p.m. at Vosseteig Funeral Home in Gays Mills. Online condolences may be shared at www.vossfh.com.