Robert "Bob" Eugene McDonald

Robert (Bob) Eugene McDonald, the patriarch of the Tawas Point McDonald Clan passed away peacefully on October 8, 2026 at his home in Traverse City, Michigan. He let us know that he'd had a good life and was ready to join his sweet Carolyn. Family members kept round the clock vigil with him and he passed quietly with his oldest grandchild by his side.

Robert was born at home in a stone house in West Branch, Michigan, on September 13th 1936 to Howard and Marietta McDonald. He was the youngest of two children. He and his sister Ellen were inseparable as children riding bikes, fishing, and getting into all kinds of scrapes.

When Bob was 14, the family moved to Durand where he met the love of his life, Carolyn. By age 16 they had become sweethearts. Their senior year when Carolyn was elected Homecoming queen, she was escorted to the dance by none other than her beau, “Bobby,” captain of the football team.

Bob and Carolyn were married on December 20th, 1955 while Bob was on leave from the Army and before he shipped off to Germany. Carolyn followed Bob a few months later. They spent their first two years of married life in the small village of Schwalheim where Bob played football for the Army and their first child, Keri, was born.

When Bob completed his tour as an Army Medic he returned to Central Michigan University where he and his mother graduated together with teaching degrees in 1960. He was very proud that his father, daughter, Kathi, and granddaughter, Hannah, also graduated from CMU.

After college, he moved the growing family out on Tawas Point where he and Carolyn would reside for sixty years. Bob taught high school world history for eleven years before completing his Masters and Specialist Degrees in administration and serving as a principal for nine years. He enjoyed his time in the classroom but his real love was serving as "Coach Bob" for cross country and track.

After twenty years in education Bob decided to try out a different career and worked another twenty years for American United Life selling annuities to his former colleagues around the state.

Bob's charismatic, friendly personality and strong sense of community civic duty drew him into membership for many years in the area Kanotin, Lions, and Elks clubs.

During the summer months of his teaching career Bob took up his hammer and helped to build the beloved Hicowee hunting camp where he spent some of his happiest moments. He was also part of the building crew for Tawas Point State Park planting many of the trees still standing today.

Florida became Bob and Carolyn's second home upon retirement. Every fall for 25 years they joined the snow bird flocks, returning to Tawas when the crocuses bloomed. They enjoyed traveling, camping, and fishing together. Bob spent his last four years at Cordia, an independent senior living facility in Traverse City. One of the amazing staff said, "We loved your dad. We are really going to miss our sweet Bob.”

Bob is survived by his three daughters: Keri McDonald, Kathi (Craig) Mulder, Kelly Smith; nine grandchildren Katie (Phil) Strittmatter, Brandi Lerra, Rob (Kate) Wangler, Tara (Stephen Bartlett) Mulder, Laura (Peter) Robinson, C Mulder, Hannah (Hazen Remus) Mulder, Molly Smith, Morgan McDonald; and eight great grandchildren Carter, Violet, Brodie, Iris, Philip, Teddy, Freya, and Felix. Bob was predeceased by his wife of 69 years, Carolyn, his son Scott McDonald, his sister Ellen Wescott, and his parents.

A Celebration of Bob's life will be held on Friday October 23rd at 11:00 am at the Reynolds Jonkhoff Funeral Home in Traverse City followed by a luncheon at the Elks Club. Memorial contributions in his name can be made to the Central Michigan University General Scholarship Fund - bit.ly/ RememberBob.

Please feel free to share your thoughts and memories with Bob’s family at his tribute page at www.reynolds-jonkhoff.com.