Jolene Kay McDonald, 69, of Moorhead, passed away Wednesday, Feb. 21, 2024, at her home surrounded by family.
Jolene Kay was born July 23, 1954, to J. LaVerne (Melby) and Earl Rustin at the Onawa Hospital, Onawa. She joined her siblings Harvey, Marvin, Judy, Jane, and Ruby at home in Pisgah, and her sister Susan rounded out the family.
She began her education at Pisgah School. When she was in third grade the family moved to a farm near Soldier, where she completed her education at East Monona, graduating in 1972. She continued her education and received an associate’s degree.
Jolene was baptized and confirmed on Aug. 15, 1966, in the Soldier Lutheran Church, where she was active in Sunday School, and junior and senior League.
She began working at age ten as a babysitter, moved up to a waitress at age twelve, dish washed, bartended, and hoed beans. During her adult years, she worked outside of the home in administrative office positions, including Head Start, for many years.
In 1979, Jolene moved to North Texas with Bryce McDonald. She enjoyed meeting new people and observing different customs. Jolene and Bryce were married on a scorching hot Texas day, June 15, 1985, in the front yard of their country home. Following the ceremony, Bryce had arranged for an airplane to fly by with a special message. With this marriage, Jolene gained a bonus daughter, Tracey. While in Texas, Sadie and Rustin were born. She was an active member in the Methodist Church.
In 1991, they sold their acreage in Texas and purchased a home in Moorhead, returning to their roots in 1992.
Growing up in a large family, Jolene had many happy memories not only with her family, but also with cousins, aunts, and uncles. She enjoyed family and company always.
Jolene was a member of the Bethesda Lutheran Church, following their move to Moorhead. She was a Sunday School Teacher, treasurer of BLCW, and served on the church council. She was involved in the community as a First Responder on the Rescue unit, the centennial celebration, RAGBRAI, Life Serve Blood Bank, cultural center, and Loess Hills Gift Shop.
She loved her children and family, cooking, motorcycle riding, reading, writing poetry, having coffee, people and their stories. Her sisters were very special to her.
Survivors include three children, Tracey (Dusty) Russmann, Sadie (Kevin) Cloninger, and Rustin (Kailey) McDonald; grandchildren, Ryan and Paige Russmann, Noah and Anna Cloninger; sisters, Ruby (Duane) Storm, and Susan (Sam) Johnson; sister-in-law, Phyllis (Steve) Easton; brothers-in-law, Jerry (April) McDonald, and Alan McDonald; and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends (she hopes!).
She is preceded in death by her husband, Bryce McDonald (2022); her parents, J. LaVerne (Melby) and Earl Rustin; brothers, Harvey (Sharon) Leisinger, and Marvin (Jeanne) Leisinger; sisters, Judy Simpson, and Jane (Gordon) Barta; parents-in-law, Robert and Della (Hartwig) McDonald; brother-in-law, Dennis Swenson; and nephews, Greg Leisinger, Steven Leisinger, and Trent Simpson.
A memorial service was Saturday, Feb. 24, 2024, at the Bethesda Lutheran Church, Moorhead, with Pastor Chip Borgstadt, officiating. A recording of the service was posted on the Goslar Funeral Home website with Jolene’s obituary. A private family burial was held in the Spring Valley Cemetery, Moorhead. Visitation was Friday, Feb. 23, 2024, with a prayer service at the Bethesda Lutheran Church, Moorhead. Arrangements were under the direction of Goslar Funeral Home and Monuments, Onawa.
Condolences may be left online for the family at www.goslarfuneralhome.com
