Harold Benjamin McDonough

Harold B. McDonough, age 80, of Evansville, formerly of DeSoto passed away peacefully surrounded by family on Tuesday, December 22, 2015 at Agrace Center for Hospice & Palliative Care in Janesville, WI. He was born on March 29, 1935 at Little Willow, Richland County, the son of Gordon & Myrtle (Denman) McDonough. On June 23, 1956 he married Judith G. Lisney at Peace United Methodist Church in Richland Center. Harold served in the Army National Guard from 1954 to 1963. He worked over 39 years at General Motors in Janesville. Harold was a member of the Evansville United Methodist Church, where he had served as Chairman of the Finance Committee and of the Administrative Board. Then later attended the New Hope United Methodist Church and was active there and enjoyed his church family there. After retirement, he and Judy moved to DeSoto, WI and enjoyed the beautiful area and sharing the Mississippi River activities with their friends and loving extended family. They recently returned to the Evansville area. Harold’s two proudest accomplishments were of his loving family and his Masonic activities. Harold was honored to be coroneted a 33rd *(degree) Mason in 1997, after serving many Masonic offices within Madison Scottish Rite. Janesville Star Lodge No. 14, Union Lodge No. 32 in Evansville, the Grand Lodge of Wisconsin, and the Richland Lodge No. 66. He was also a member of the Evansville Chapter No. 35, Royal Arch Mason; Gebal Counsel No. 2, Royal and Select Masters: Janesville Commandry No. 2, Knights Templar. He was officer in the four York Rite Bodies and was the Most Illustrious Grand Master of the Grand Council of Royal and Select Masters of the State of Wisconsin in 2000. He also was a member of the Zor Shrine: Crown’ Cork Council No. 44, Knight Masons; Wisconsin Priory No. 16, Knights of the York Cross of Honour; the Tall Cedars of Lebanon; the Sword of Bunker Hill; Wisconsin York Rite Association and the South West Wisconsin York Rite Association; He had served many of the listed Masonic organizations as the presiding officer. The 172nd Reunion Class was named in his honor in October of 2006. Survivors include his wife Judith McDonough of Evansville; 5 children, Rick (Jaci) McDonough of Janesville, Robin Gorman of Evansville, Terri (Doug) Williams of Evansville, Tina (Ron) Thornton of Albany, Michael (Karen) McDonough of Evansville; 11 grandchildren, Ashley (Shawn) Cline of Janesville, Jason McDonough and Dillon McDonough both of Janesville, Ryan (Morgan) Gorman of Evansville, Amber (Erik) Daffron of Madison, Aleah Schroeder (fiancé Brody) of Madison, Parker Williams and Jayden Williams both of Evansville, Emily Thornton of Waukesha, Tess Thornton of Albany, Zach McDonough of Evansville; 6 step grandchildren, Aaron, Jennifer, Michael, Jessi, Lacy, Kelsea; 9 great grandchildren; a brother, James (June) McDonough of Richmond, Virginia; a sister, Ruth Rut of Muscoda; sisters-in-law, Nancy Phetteplace of Avoca and Shirley Harris of Evansville; many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his mother, Myrtle McDonough; father & step-mother, Gordon (Helen) McDonough; a brother, Gordon (Judy) McDonough Jr.; 2 sisters, Betty Dieter, Loretta Skinner; 3 brothers-in-law, Joseph Rut, Joseph Phetteplace, and Gene Harris. Funeral Services will be held at Noon on Monday, December 28, 2015 at the Clary Memorial Funeral Home in Richland Center with Pastor Alice Richards officiating. Immediately following the funeral service at Noon there will be a Masonic Service held by the Richland Lodge # 66. Burial will be held at a later date. Visitation will be held from 10:00 AM until the time of service at Noon on Monday, December 28, 2015 at the Clary Memorial Funeral Home. The family would like to thank his many angels at Meriter, UW Hospital, Dr. Runo, Dr. Harkin, his hospice caretakers and his special Niece Jennifer Dieter who also helped many days with home care. Memorials may be given to the Evansville United Methodist Church or Agrace Hospice Care in Janesville. On line condolences can be made at www.clarymemorialfuneralhome.com

Harold Benjamin McDonough

March 29, 1935 - December 22, 2015