Kenneth George “Dudes” McDonald was born to Willard and Elma (Harder) McDonald on November 19, 1944 in Benkelman, Nebraska. He graduated from Benkelman High School with the class of 1963. Dudes was a lifelong resident of Benkelman and during his time worked for a number of businesses, including: Robertson’s Chevrolet, Ochsner Pontiac, Valley Farm Industries, Owen’s Chevrolet and Jerry Fries Farms. He was a self-taught handyman and mechanic and was not afraid to work hard and get dirty. In 1995 Dudes began working for the Dundy County School System as a custodian. He worked at the school for 15 years retiring in 2010. He spent his retirement years assisting the county in mowing ditches.
Dudes was a member of the Benkelman Volunteer Fire Department, the Jaycees and the McCook Elks. He loved to watch racing and any sport that he could find on T.V. His greatest passion was attending local youth sports. Dudes took great pride in the young Dundy County Tiger athletes and rarely missed a sporting event. There will always be an empty seat and a cheer missing from these activities now that Dudes is gone.
Dudes McDonald passed away Wednesday, September 6, 2017 in Rural Dundy County. He was 72 years of age.
He was preceded in death by his parents and a nephew, Eric McDonald.
Survivors include:
Brother, Bill McDonald and wife, Becky of WaKeeney, KS
Brother, Gary McDonald and wife, Lisa of Hastings, NE
Brother, Dick McDonald and wife, Julie of Oxford, NE
Sister, Gwenn Schleeman of Hastings, NE
Sister, Mary Schneider of Brule, NE
Nieces and nephews: Willard McDonald, Sara McDonald, Ron McDonald, Rodney (Valley) McDonald, Richard (Emily) McDonald, Brent (Kristy) Schleeman and 6 grand nieces and nephews.
Funeral services will be 1:30 P.M. (MT), Monday afternoon, September 11, 2017 at the Dundy County-Stratton High School in Benkelman with Pastor Rod Heilbrun officiating. Interment will follow in the Benkelman Cemetery.
Visitation will be Sunday afternoon, September 10, 2017 from 5:00-7:00 P.M. (MT) at the Benkelman Fire Hall.
A Memorial has been established to the Benkelman Volunteer Fire Department to be used for the purchase of equipment.
Online condolences may be left at liewerfuneralhome.com
BENKELMAN MEMORIAL CHAPEL IS ENTRUSTED WITH ARRANGEMENTS