Ralph McDonald

Obituary

Ralph McDonald, age 84, of St. Charles, passed away Tuesday, January 5, 2021 at his residence with his loving family by his side.

He was born July 18, 1936 in Chicago, the son of Roy Pluckebaum and Inez Luckner.

Ralph grew up in Chicago and attended Carl Schurz High school, graduating with the class of 1954.  After high school, he went into the printing industry and worked for many different shops and companies.  His longest employment was at the Chicago Tribune. 

Ralph met Joanne on a New Years Eve blind date.  They fell in love, were engaged by March, and married that September 30, 1961. 

Over the years, Ralph’s family grew with the welcome addition of 3 daughters.  Many memories were made boating at Apple Canyon and family vacations. 

Ralph had a love for golf, trains, and travel.  He and his wife Joanne were blessed to have traveled to more countries throughout the world than to individual states here in America.       

He is survived by his devoted wife of 59 years Joanne (Eggerding); children Janet Brainerd, Merri (William) Benney, and Jill Skelton (Ray Ellingsen); grandchildren Rachel (Ryan) Neumann, Eric Benney (Ashley Pace), Kayla Skelton (fiancé Sam Styler), and Austin Skelton; and many other dear relatives and friends.

Funeral Service for Ralph will be held Monday, January 11, 2021 at 11:00 am at Immanuel Lutheran Church, 950 Hart Road, Batavia with Pastor Chris Davis officiating.

Interment will follow at Chapel Hill Gardens West Cemetery in Oakbrook Terrace.

Visitation will be held Sunday, January 10 from 1:00 – 4:00 pm at Malone Funeral Home, 324 E. State Street (Route 38), Geneva and on Monday, January 11 from 10:30 – 11:00 am at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Batavia. 

Due to the current health care restrictions, standards of occupancy will be upheld at the funeral home. To attend please be prepared to wear a mask and/or wait if occupancy standards need to be met before entering. We kindly ask that you immediately exit the funeral home after paying your respects to the family so that others may have the same opportunity.

In lieu of flowers, memorials to Immanuel Lutheran Church, 950 Hart Road, Batavia, Illinois 60510 or Alzheimer’s Association, 8430 Bryn Mawr Avenue #800, Chicago, Illinois 60631 would be appreciated.

For information, call 630-232-8233 or visit www.malonefh.com.