Gail Ann McDonald

Gail Ann McDonald, 73, of River Falls passed away peacefully on April 21st, 2026 following a recent decline in her health. Her family was with her as she passed from this world.

Gail was born in St. Paul, and was the first child of Don and Marilyn, and had a wonderful and loving childhood upbringing. Her brother Gary was also a joy to her. She graduated from high school in 1970.

After high school she married Lester McDonald and had her only child Mathew. She divorced shortly after and started her career at State Farm Insurance. She worked all the way up to her retirement at age 55. She lived and raised Mathew as a single mother in Vadnais Heights Minnesota with the help of her Parents.

In her later years, Gail moved from Minnesota to Wisconsin, to live with Mathew and her daughter in law Laura, where she helped care for her grandchildren Lavinia and Helena. She was a tremendous help and had a wonderful calm and sweet influence on them. She had spent many of the past years as a caretaker for her parents and grandchildren at the same time. This she did with grace and love, and Mathew and Laura are forever grateful for her. She will be missed for her kind, gentle spirit.

Gail was rather active with her wonderful group of friends. She enjoyed traveling often on bus tour trips, and especially loved visiting Duluth and the North shore. She also traveled with her family to many lake cabin destinations and to Florida to see the ocean and beaches. As life went on, traveling became less frequent, but her time was richly spent with family. Many pictures show her having an amazing time.

Gail was preceded in death by her parents Don and Marilyn Neuenfeldt, and brother Gary Neuenfeldt, as well as others from her friend group.

Gail is survived by Mathew and Laura McDonald and their children Lavinia and Helena McDonald, along with her Nephew Chad Terlinde and wife Tracy, and her Niece Tammie and her children Stella and Caleb. She also is survived by many cousins.

The family would like to say a special thank you to the staff at Woodland Hill Presbyterian homes and Lakeview Hospice for all the care given, and also to her amazing, caring cousin Jeanne, who helped with emotional support and care for Gail.

A memorial service is planned for May 7th, at 3pm at the O'Connell funeral home of Hudson, WI. Light refreshments will be served. Flowers can be sent to that location.