Gene McDonald, 83, of Washington, IL passed away on Saturday, October 7th, 2023 at Grand View Alzheimer's Special Care Center in Peoria, IL.

He was born on August 12th, 1940 in Peoria to James and Maxine (Hauge) McDonald. He married Carol E. Wennmacher on July 27, 1968. She survives.

Also surviving are his children Jamie (Jessica) McDonald of Oswego, IL and Karen (Jerry) Donaldson of Washington, IL; his grandchildren Wesley Donaldson, Sarah Halihan, Sam Halihan, Drew McDonald,

Marissa Donaldson, and Aaron McDonald.

He was preceded in death by his parents, brother, and nephew.

In 1957, Gene joined the United States Air Force. After leaving the Air Force in 1962, Gene was the quarterback for the Canton Centaurs football team. Gene then began working for Caterpillar in 1964, retiring in 2000 after 36 years. During this time, Gene was an intricate part of starting the JFL football program in Peoria. Gene's love of football continued through his involvement with the Peoria Pirates AFL team. From then, he became a courtesy shuttle driver for several local car dealerships until his retirement in 2015.

Gene loved doing puzzles, the Dallas Cowboys, Bradley Braves basketball, "hitting the slots," and his granddogs.

A funeral service will be held at 6:00pm on Tuesday, October 10th, 2023 at Deiters Funeral Home and Crematory in Washington, with military honors. Visitation will be two hours prior, from 4-6:00pm at the funeral home. Private burial will take place at Hillcrest Cemetery in rural Morton, IL.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Alzheimer's Association or St. Patrick's Church in Washington, IL.