Dannie Donaldson

Dannie Donaldson, 81, of Vandalia, IL, passed away peacefully on Monday, April 22nd, at St. John’s Hospital in Springfield, IL, surrounded by his loving family, who meant the world to him. A Funeral Service will be held at 11:30 AM, Saturday, April 27, 2024, at the First United Methodist Church, Vandalia, with Pastor Curtis Flake officiating. Visitation will be held from 9:00AM until time of service at the church. Burial will follow in the Ramsey Cemetery, Ramsey, IL. In lieu of flowers and gifts, memorials are suggested to the First United Methodist Church (Music & Choir) or Vandalia Sports Boosters. Online condolences can be expressed at http://www.hohltandfilefh.com. Dannie was born at home in Ramsey on February 8, 1943, the son of Thomas and Laura (Brown) Donaldson. At a young age, he could usually be found in the local pool hall. He graduated from Ramsey High School and then began his 38-year career at John Crane Packing in Vandalia; he served as Union President for Local 1613 for several years and fully retired in 2000. He was a member of the First United Methodist Church where him and his wife, Patty, were involved with Monday small group bible study. He was also a member of the Vandalia Moose Lodge 1447. On February 28, 1981, he married Patty Sue Ambuehl. They spent 43 years devoted to one another and built a wonderful family full of love and cherished moments. Together, they have 5 kids and 14 grandchildren, all of which made Dannie proud in their own ways. He loved taking the grandkids fishing and side-by-side riding. He was a passionate sports fan with a special love for the Vandalia Vandals, Kansas City Chiefs, St. Louis Cardinals, and a newfound admiration for the Iowa Hawkeyes and Caitlin Clark; but of all the teams and players, his most favorite were his grandkids. Dannie loved to watch them play. His overly enthusiastic cheering would sometimes even force him to exit the gym early, and also land him in the doghouse at home. Dannie always showed unwavering support and pride in his kids and grandkids achievements, often boasting about their accomplishments to anyone who would listen, especially during his visits at Denny’s. He had raised cattle from the time he was 14 years old up until last year. During that time, he enjoyed going to the Greenville Livestock Auction on Wednesdays to buy and sell. He also loved spending time with his family, whether that was by travelling, listening to music at Charters Patio, playing cards, or sitting around telling one of his many stories. He was a dedicated husband, father, grandfather, and friend, and his one-of-a-kind personality will be dearly missed by all. He had a real passion for life and never met a stranger. Dannie is survived by his wife Patty Donaldson of Vandalia; children, Michelle and husband Ty McNary of Vandalia, Clint Donaldson and wife Kim of Seymour, TN, John Kaiser and wife Tina of Vandalia, Andrea and husband Jon Zenker of St. Charles, IL, Justin Donaldson and wife Mia of Moscow Mills, MO; grandchildren, Garett McNary, Lanee McNary, Chase McNary, Clay Donaldson, Brooke Donaldson, Bradyn Kaiser, Ryan Kaiser, Lauren Kaiser, Evan Zenker, Ian Zenker, Penelope Donaldson and Leo Donaldson; father and mother in law, Herschel and Barb Ambuehl of Farina; brother in law, Dennis and Jamie Ambuehl of Shelbyville; sisters in law, Janice and Dave Hoelscher of Mason, Sharon Copple and Denny Simonavice of Estero, FL; many nieces, nephews, extended family and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents; siblings, Thomas Donaldson, Betty Eberhart, Georgia “Tootie” Beccue, Lucille Vincel and Louise Bugel; grandchildren, Anthony Workman and Payge Donaldson.

Dannie Donaldson

February 8, 1943 - April 22, 2024