Barbara June McDonald

Barbara June McDonald, age 85, of Rhinelander, died on August 20, 2026, at her home, surrounded by her loving family. She was born on June 14, 1941, in Rhinelander, the daughter of Bernard and Olive (Clure) Ames. She attended schools here graduating from the Rhinelander High School in 1959. She married Thomas McDonald on February 25, 1967 and they were blessed with nearly 60 years of marriage.

Barbara was employed by US Stick for a short period of time and then for Printpack from 1990 until her retirement in 2002.

Barbara taught her children respect, love and a good work ethic. Her greatest loves were my father, her family (including her dogs), archery, and hunting whitetails. She will be remembered for her huge heart, warm smile and straight-shooting honesty.

Her superpower was finding creative solutions to everyday problems.

Barbara is survived by her husband Thomas, her daughter Laura (William) Weber, her sons Lance (Mercedes) McDonald and Cory (Mary) McDonald, eleven grandchildren and two great grandchildren, her sisters Lourena Kress and Darla Zuiker, her brothers Arvid and Dean Ames, other family and many friends. She was preceded in death by her parents, her sister Donna Smith and her brothers Dale and Glenn Ames. 

You may leave your private condolences for the McDonald family at www.carlsonfh.com. The Carlson Funeral Home (715-369-1414) is serving the McDonald family.