Daniel James Macdonald

Daniel J. MacDonald Sr. Age 91, of Stillwater, passed away on May 20th at home He was born to Robert D. MacDonald and Josephine Clarey MacDonald on August 22nd, 1926. Baptized at the Church of St. Michael, he was a lifelong and active member whose faith was extremely important to him. Dan was a gentleman, kind, generous and humble, a man of character and high integrity. Devoted husband of Jean (Scheuerman) with whom he recently celebrated 18 years of marriage. Dan was father to Dan Jr., Tom (Colleen), Anne (Dean) McNamara, John (Becky), Brian (Terri), David (Andrea), and Margaret Gaffney. He is also survived by Jean’s children, Sue (Brad) Pearce, David (Heather), Lisa (Bil) Beschnett, Michael (Kelly), Tony (Zina), Sharm (Lisa), Sarah (Joe) Huss, Cuong (Rose) Pham, Trangv (Giao) Pham and Cuong Duy (Anh Dao) Pham. Together Dan and Jean have 46 grandchildren and 13 great grandchildren. Dan was preceded in death by his first wife, Sheila; son Rod; siblings, Josephine Lupient, John, Robert II and Anne Woods; grandson David Jr.; and nephew and godson Steve MacDonald. Dan graduated with honors from Stillwater High School as President of the Class of ’44, student manager of the football team, and the lead in one of the high school musicals. After high school Dan entered the Navy V12 Unit at St. Thomas, after which the Navy sent him to the University of Wisconsin to study Naval Science and engineering in their ROTC program. He spent summers in the North Atlantic, assigned to the aircraft carrier “Layte” and later served on a destroyer. He went on to earn his Master’s Degree in mechanical engineering in 1949. Dan met Sheila Campbell in church while a student in Madison. They were married as soon as he graduated and lived there while he finished his Master’s Degree. This was the beginning of 50 years of marriage. 3M Company hired Dan to oversee the design of the labs in their new Central Research Building in 1949. Over the course of his 32 year career with 3M he transitioned through numerous positions. After serving in 13 different leadership positions he became Division Vice President of Occupational Health and Safety products, a job he held until he retired in 1982. Nephew, Bob MacDonald III shares that “Dan left an amazing legacy at 3M. The business he started has become one of 3M’s largest. It continues to grow and is more powerful than every other in its industry. More importantly, Dan had a huge impact on so many people. Everyone had glowing remarks about him and talked about how much they loved working for him. He was really important to the company and really important to so many people. What a great legacy!” Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, May 29, 2018 at the Church of Saint Michael, 611 S. 3rd St., Stillwater, MN 55082. Visitation will be from 5-7 p.m. on Monday, May 28, 2018 at Simonet Funeral Home, 6429 Osgood Ave. N., Stillwater, MN 55082 and also one hour prior to the Mass in the church atrium. A luncheon will follow in the church social hall. Private family interment. Memorials are preferred to St. Croix Catholic School Tuition Assistance Fund.

Service Information

Public Viewing

Monday, May 28 2018
5:00 PM - 7:00 PM

Simonet Funeral Home
6429 Osgood Ave.N.
Stillwater MN 55082