Jan. 31, 1931 — Feb. 10, 2016

Lawrence P. McDonnell, 85, of Sister Lakes, Michigan, passed away Wednesday, Feb. 10, 2016, at his home.

Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at noon Saturday Feb. 13, 2016 at Sacred Heart of Mary Catholic Church, 51841 Leach Road, Dowagiac, with Father Kevin Covert officiating.  Burial will follow at Sacred Heart of Mary Cemetery in Dowagiac. Friends may visit with the family from 10 a.m. until the time of the service at the church. Memorial donations may be made to Sister Lakes Lions Club or Sacred Heart of Mary Catholic Church in his memory. Those wishing to sign Lawrence’s Memory Book online may do so at www.clarkch.com.

Lawrence was born Jan. 31, 1931, in Evanston, Illinois to Eneas & Florence (Shean) McDonnell.  He graduated from Loyola High School, Class of 1948 and received a Bachelor’s Degree from Notre Dame in 1952.   Lawrence proudly served his country in the United States Army after graduation until 1955.  On Oct. 10, 1959, he married the former Joanne Ely in Chicago, Illinois. He was a member of Sacred Heart of Mary Catholic Church where he served as a Eucharist Minister, a member of the Sister Lakes Lions Club and member of the Sister Lakes Fire Dept Auxiliary.  Lawrence was a devoted husband; his main goal in life was to make his wife happy. He lived a true example to his children on how to be a husband, father and grandfather. Lawrence was at times the calm and stabilizing force during many of life’s difficult situations.  His wisdom and wry sense of humor will be greatly missed.

Lawrence is survived by his wife Joanne; his children, Maureen McDonnell of Wheaton, Illinois, Tim McDonnell of Sister Lakes, Michigan, Tom McDonnell of Wheaton, Illinois, Bill (Peggy) McDonnell of Germantown, Wisconsin, John (Jen) McDonnell of Wheaton, Illinois and Jim (Patty) McDonnell of Aurora, Illinois; nine grandchildren, Jill (Lincoln), Mike, Erin, Siobhan, Danny, Andrew, Katie, Matthew and Patrick; one great-grandchild, Jackson; along with many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his sister, Florence Strich and a brother, Eneas “Bud” McDonnell.