Malcolm Walker McDonald, 81, of Austin, Minnesota, died Sunday afternoon, Dec. 25, 2016, at Mayo Clinic Health System-Austin.

He was born April 9, 1935, in Greene County, Iowa, the son of Thomas W. and Edith (Newlove) McDonald. A 1953 graduate of Titonka (Iowa) High School, he earned his associate of arts degree from Waldorf College in Forest City, Iowa, in 1955, then continued his education at Mankato State University where he received his bachelor of arts degree in business administration. Malcolm earned his master’s of sciene degree in education (special education) in March 1966 and his doctorate degree in education in June 1971 from the University of Northern Colorado.

On April 19, 1963, Malcolm and Judith Ann MacPherson were married in Anchorage, Alaska. Shortly after their marriage, Malcolm and Judith purchased Beaver Pass Resort in Bemidji, Minnesota, which they owned and operated from 1963 until 1981. Malcolm served his country in the U.S. Army, retiring in April 1995 after 29 years of service. During his years in the Army, Malcolm served both in active duty and the reserves. He was called up during Desert Storm in 1991.

Malcolm held various positions during his working career, including Director of Special Services of Austin Public Schools from 1971 until his retirement in 1998. Prior to his position in Austin, Malcolm was a secondary teacher in the Anchorage Independent School District and Greeley (Colorado) Public Schools. Following his retirement, he remained active, volunteering his time to many organizations including the Austin Public Library where he served as a board member and First Congregational Church which he joined in 1971. He was employed by the U.S. Department of Education as a field reader and by Mathematica, Inc. as an assessor for early elementary math projects around the country. He was involved in the education of developmentally disabled children and served as guardian/conservator for adults with challenges.

Malcolm belonged to the Noon Kiwanis, Masons, Elks, American Legion, Eagles Club and the Austin Shrine Club and Oriental Band. In his leisure time, Malcolm enjoyed reading, bicycling, playing poker with his friends and participating in his clubs, where he held various leadership positions. Most important to him was the time he spent with his family. Malcolm will be most remembered for giving his time where needed, for the friendships he developed through his involvement in the Kiwanis and the Shrine Club, and for his involvement in his church life.  He was a great father, a trusted advisor, and an excellent role model.

Malcolm is survived by his wife, Judith McDonald of Austin; his son, Ian (Kathryn) McDonald of Hutchinson, Minnesota; two grandchildren, Mackenzie McDonald and Jacob McDonald, both of Hutchinson; and his sister, Margaret Riecke of Brevard, North Carolina. He was preceded in death by his parents and his sister, Julie M. Ledlie.

A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 3, 2017, at First Congregational Church UCC in Austin with Pastor Shari Mason officiating. Military honors will be performed by American Legion Post 91 and VFW Post 1216.  In accordance with his wishes, Malcolm’s body has been donated to the Mayo Clinic Anatomical Bequest Program. Interment will be in Oakwood Cemetery at a later date. Memorials can be directed to First Congregational Church UCC or recipient of donor’s choice. Condolences may be expressed to the family online at www.worlein.com.