Spouse:
Barbara (married in 1958)
Children:
Seven children: Mary, Anne, Susan (daughters) Joe, Peter, Frank, and Ken (sons)
Family Members Who Have Served in the Minnesota Legislature:
Joe McDonald
- Son
He was born on a farm in Hollywood Township in Carver County.
He was a life-long resident of Carver County.
He was a member of the Watertown, Minnesota Hospital Board.
He was an unsuccessful candidate for the Independent Republican Party endorsement for the United States House of Representatives in 1990.
Religion provided by the Minnesota Legislative Manual, 1987-88.
He was appointed mayor of Watertown in 2005 to replace the mayor who had been deployed. He was reelected in 2006, 2008, and 2010. (Sun Patriot obituary, October 5, 2012)
Upon his death, the acting mayor of Watertown issued this statement on behalf of the city:
"Last night, the City of Watertown lost one of its great treasures, Mayor KJ McDonald. Born just outside of town in 1929, Mayor McDonald has been an irreplaceable lifelong advocate for our community. KJ McDonald has gone by many titles over the years — husband, veteran, photographer, state representative, Toastmasters President, Legion Commander, local actor, father, parishioner, council member, Lions member, grandfather, friend, Boy Scoutmaster, but perhaps none as fitting as Mayor.
Mayor McDonald held a deep rooted belief that good governance comes from good neighbors and he led Watertown with that vision as his guidepost for decision making. Consistently reminding Council and staff that, “the best decisions are made closest to the people,” Mayor McDonald lived out what it means to be a good public servant — putting community ahead of personal advancement.
Today, we see Mayor McDonald’s belief woven into the community tapestry that makes Watertown a great place to call home. Our downtown is thriving, our schools are successful, and our community groups are active. The next time you attend a successful community fundraiser, walk through a park in Watertown, or notice our community’s charm – you will see KJ’s living legacy.
The City of Watertown would like to thank the Mayor’s family for so graciously sharing him with us throughout the years — our condolences are with you."