William C. (Bill) McDonagh, age 91 of Grand Rapids, MI, passed away on Thursday, July 27, 2023. He was preceded in death by his parents, John and Dorothy McDonagh; and brother, Gerald. He is survived by Donna, his wife of 68 years; their children, Maureen (Robert) Ayers, Michael (Joan) McDonagh, Jude McDonagh, Paul (Catherine) McDonagh; and grandchildren, Mark (Dara), Steven, and Allison (Ted Longabaugh) Ayers, Erin (Ethan) Rubin, Emily (Travis) Englert, Rosemary, Kelsey, Brian, Maggie, Paige, and Kelly McDonagh; and great-grandchildren, Rhiannon Ayers, and Oliver and Piper Englert. Bill was a graduate of Catholic Central High School, the University of Toledo and served in the U.S. Army. He retired from Foremost Insurance Company. Bill’s priority in life was being with his loving family, visiting, playing games, celebrating holidays and more. He enjoyed experimenting in the kitchen where he created Bill’s World-Famous Chili, Authentic Irish Cream, Authentic Irish Scones and more. Beginning with inherited data he developed a genealogy and history of both his and Donna’s forebears. He and Donna traveled throughout the U.S., into Canada and in Europe. He loved the games of golf and bridge and played both regularly. A long-time member of Immaculate Heart of Mary Church he served multiple terms on the Pastoral Council, chaired several parish or school activities, was a Lector, was active in Eucharistic Chapel Hours, and weekly Bible Study. Mass of Christian Burial will take place on Friday, September 1, 2023, at 11:00 am at IHM Church, 1935 Plymouth Ave. SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49506, Fr. Troy Nevins presiding. Visitation at the church 1 hour prior. Entombment Resurrection Mausoleum. Memorials may be made to IHM Church, to the school’s Killgoar Education Foundation, or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105-9959.
One Response
Donna, I cherish my many great memories of Bill and will miss him very much. Always a smile and a cheerful greeting! I am so sorry for your loss. Know that we are all here for you and holding you up in prayer during this difficult time. My sympathies to your family.
Love you!