Fr. Kenneth Charles McDonald

Father Kenneth C.“Ken” McDonald, 93, a smiling, kind and trusting priest, passed away on July 20, 2023 in the presence of loved ones at Green Acres Assisted Living in Mason, Mich. Fr. Ken recently returned to Mason after 24 years since his retirement from full-time ministry in 1999, living in an apartment complex for retired priests at the Diocese of Lansing St. Francis Retreat Center (Dewitt).

Fr. Ken was born August 15, 1929 in Sioux City, Iowa. At age 16 he joined the Order of the Missionaries of La Salette Seminary in Hartford, Connecticut. He was ordained a priest on May 11, 1957 at the Order’s seminary church in Ipswich, Massachusetts. He remained lifelong friends with his classmates.

Fr. Ken was preceded in death by his father, Charles McDonald and mother, Alvina McDonald. He is survived by his sister, Marilyn Hirth; brother-in-law, Chuck Hirth; nephews, Mike (Marcia) Tilford, Mark (Hope) Tilford, Ken (Joni) Tilford), Matt (Christy) Tilford); nieces, Marilee Short, Dianne Halligan, Theresa (Mark) Ewin; several grand-nephews and grand-nieces, and special friends, Daniel and Karen Bishop, and Mary Lynn Brandel.

Fr. Ken volunteered for service with the La Salettes in Argentina and was assigned to Cordoba from 1960 to 1963. He said these were the most formative years for his priesthood. He walked the streets of Barrio Yofre Norte, unusual at the time, getting to know neighbors. He befriended many during his tenure, including teaching boys how to play softball. Naming themselves “The Crows of La Salette,” many of these boys went on to enjoy work and family life success. They stayed in touch, even holding a Fr. Kenneth McDonald Youth Baseball Tournament in 2013.

Returning to America, Fr. Ken was assigned to Our Lady of La Salette parish in Berkley, Mich. It was during his time in metro Detroit following Vatican II that Fr. Ken met some of his dearest lifelong associates, including former Saginaw Bishop Kenneth Untener and many priest friends who enjoyed golf and discussing theology. With a desire to remain in Michigan, Fr. Ken’s request to leave the La Salettes and serve in the Diocese of Lansing was accepted.

Fr. Ken’s positive energy, vitality and “people first” priestly ministry benefited the parishes he served in Berkley, Flushing, Burton, Dexter and Mason; and in retirement, St. Johns. His 14-year pastorate in Mason was eventful, including building a new church, establishing the Knights of Columbus Council 9182, and inspiring parishioners to study Scripture, listen to recorded talks on theology, and act on behalf of marginalized persons.

Former Lansing Bishop Kenneth Povish noted that Fr. Ken never really left Nebraska; he brought Nebraska with him to Michigan. Fr. Ken’s enthusiasm for the Cornhuskers’ Big Red Machine was ever-present and joyful. During retirement he enjoyed traveling to Nebraska football games and celebrating Mass for the coaches and team.

At the time of his passing, Fr. Ken was making monthly charitable donations to 25 non-profit organizations. He had a lifelong sympathy for the disenfranchised, with a particular passion to improve the lives of at-risk Native American young people.

Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:00 am on Saturday, July 29, 2023 at St. James Catholic Church, 1010 S. Lansing St, Mason, with visitation from 10:00 am until the time of Mass. The Rosary will be prayed at 7:00 pm Friday at St. James Catholic Church.

In lieu of flowers consider a donation to: North American La Salette Mission Center, 4650 S. Broadway, St. Louis (MO) 63111y.