Donald "Don" Mcginnis

Donald "Don" McGinnis, age 83 of Prescott, Wisconsin, died peacefully at home on Monday morning, October 16, 2017, following an extended illness. Donald Roland, the son of Roland and Edna (Leonhardt) McGinnis, was born on July 2, 1934, in Chicago, Illinois. Following his graduation with the class of 1953 at South Shore High School, Don enlisted in the United States Marine Corps from 1953-1956 and remained a Marine for life. He continued his education in Ely, Minnesota, Following college, he was introduced to his wife, Mary Ann Jonas. They were married on October 17, 1959 in Minneapolis and were blessed with five children, Dan, Kelly, Sean, Pete, and Shannon. They chose to live in Hastings and resided there from 1959 1985, when they moved to Prescott. Mary Ann passed away on May 17, 1989. He later married Fran (Putnam) Aho on April 26, 1991, at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Prescott, and they enjoyed many years traveling and spending time together. Don always said he was blessed to have been married to two wonderful women. Don was a longtime employee at Schmidt Brewery in St. Paul, and eventually retired after 36 years of dedication to the company. Outside of working, "Coach" lived for basketball. He will forever be remembered for the countless hours of coaching at St. Boniface and for starting the St. Boniface Basketball Tournament which is still active today at SEAS. Don also was a dedicated member of the Hastings High School Football "Chain Gang" for well over 40 years. Don often tried his hand at throwing horseshoes as well, and even played in the 1975 world tournament! Outside of working and dedicating his time to sports, Don enjoyed golfing with friends, biking with Fran, and spending time with family. He was preceded in death by his parents; his first wife, Mary Ann McGinnis; and by his aunt, Margaret "Mockie". Don is survived by his loving wife, Fran of Prescott; his children, Dan McGinnis, Kelly McGinnis, Sean McGinnis, Pete (Angie) McGinnis, and Shannon (Deanna) McGinnis; his grandchildren, Grace, Thomas, Evan, and Parker McGinnis; and by his sisters, Betty (Fred) Koenig and Lorraine Zwier. Don is also survived by his step children, Wade (Kim) Aho and Darin (Kami) Aho; by grandchildren, Claire, Jordan, and Nicollette Aho; and by many nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends. Mass of Christian Burial will be held 10:30 a.m. Friday, October 20, 2017, at St. Josephs Catholic Church in Prescott, with Rev. George R. Szews officiating. Interment will take place in the parish cemetery with Military Honors provided by the Hastings VFW Post #1210. Visitation will be held 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. Thursday at Caturia-Smidt Funeral Home Cremation Services of Hastings, and will continue for one hour prior to Mass at church on Friday morning. In lieu of flowers, Dons family requests memorials be directed to St. Croix Hospice or to Parkinsons Research to help find a cure in his memory. Arrangements are being completed by Caturia-Smidt Funeral Home Cremation Services of Hastings, MN.