Michael E. McDonald

NORFOLK – Memorial service for Michael E. McDonald, 72, of Norfolk, will be held on Thursday, October 16, 2025 at 10:30 a.m. at Stonacek Funeral Chapel in Norfolk. Officiating the services will be Pastor Brian High. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the services. Inurnment will be at Hillcrest Memorial Park Cemetery in Norfolk. Military rites will be conducted by the American Legion Post 16, V.F.W. Post 1644, American Legion Riders, and the United States Air Force. The service will be live-streamed on the Stonacek Funeral Chapel website at https://www.stonacekfuneralchapel.com/obituaries/michael-mcdonald-27/#!/PhotosVideos. Mike passed away on Saturday, September 20, 2025 with Betty Morrison at his side at their residence in Norfolk after losing his long-fought battle with Pancreatic Cancer. Stonacek Funeral Chapel is in charge of the arrangements. Mike was born on January 19, 1953 to Avery (Mike) and Geraldine (Jones) McDonald in Norfolk, NE. He grew up in Randolph and was confirmed May 14, 1967 at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Randolph. He attended grade school and high school in Randolph. Mike’s family moved to Norfolk prior to his senior year and he graduated in 1971 from Norfolk Senior High School. After high school Mike joined the United States Air Force, stationed w/the Army and served for 24 years. He served in Vietnam, Persian Gulf, Afghanistan, and Iraq or OIF. He also had tours in Bosnia, Korea and 3 tours in Desert Storm/Shield and logged over 800 jumps. During his career in the service Mike was awarded many accommodations and distinguished awards. His awards included Meritorious Service Medal w/4 Oak Leaf Clusters (OLC), AF Commendation Medal w/3 OLC, Distinguished Presidential Unit Citation w/1 OLC, Joint Meritorious Unit Award, AF Outstanding Unit Award w/Valor and 6 OLC, AF Organizational Excellence Award w/1 OLC, Combat Readiness Medal w/1 OLC, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, Vietnam Service Medal w/2 Bronze Service Stars (BSS), Southwest Asia Service Medal w/2 BSS, Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross w/1 BSS, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, Humanitarian Service Medal, AF Overseas Ribbon-Short w/5 OLC, USAF NCO PME Graduate Ribbon w/1 OLC, Small Arms Expert Marksmanship Ribbon w/1 OLC, Korean Presidential Unit Citation, Kuwait Liberation Medal, AF Longevity Service Award Ribbon w/1 Silver OLC, AF Good Conduct Medal w/1 Silver and 2 Bronze OLC’s, AF Training Ribbon and National Defense Service Medal w/1 Bronze Service Star. Mike retired as Master Sergeant with also 4 years of inactive duty. Mike belonged to the LA Société Des 40 Hommes ET8 Cheraux, (Forty & Eight), VFW Post 1644, and the American Legion Post 16. After Mike’s honorable discharge in 1995, he moved to Norfolk, where he served his country proudly and continued to keep the country moving as an Over the Road truck driver for Sunflower/Shaffer/Crete Trucking out of York, NE and Signor Trucking out of Norfolk, NE. He drove a million miles all over the U.S. and 4 Providences of Canada during his trucking career of 25 years before retiring. Being an OTR trucker he knew where all the good Mom & Pop Cafés were located and loved to eat and try out other foods. Mike will be remembered for his kindness and ability to strike up a conversation anytime with anyone. He had a heart of gold and never said “No” when someone was in need. Mike loved to read in his spare time. Mike is survived by his son Shawn McDonald of Carrollton, TX, significant other, Betty Morrison of Norfolk, NE, 2 stepsons Tim (Shannon) Morrison of Atkinson, NE and his sons Wyatt and Keagan of Kearney, Jo-E (Jenny) Morrison of Angleton, TX and their daughters, Jo-C and Ainsley, brother, Orville McDonald, several nieces and nephews, and a wide circle of friends. He was preceded in death by his parents Avery (Mike) and Geraldine McDonald, sister Frances, brothers, Robert, Richard and Roger. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the family for later designation. Condolences can be expressed to the family on-line at www.stonacekfuneralchapel.com.

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Michael E. McDonald

January 19, 1953 - September 20, 2025