Chester A. McDonald III

Chester A. McDonald III, affectionately known as "Chet" and "Duffy," peacefully departed this life on Tuesday, March 17, 2026, at the age of 72, in Green Bay, Wisconsin, surrounded by his devoted family after a courageous battle with Parkinson’s Disease.

Born on September 27, 1953, in Green Bay, Chet was the beloved son of the late Chester R. McDonald II and Sally A. (DeGroot) McDonald. He was a proud alumnus of St. Agnes Grade School and Premontre High School, Class of 1971, where he distinguished himself both academically and athletically, earning a place in both halls of fame. An accomplished leader, Chet rose to the rank of lieutenant colonel in the high school ROTC program. Pursuing higher education, he attended both the University of Fairbanks in Alaska and the University of Wisconsin–Oshkosh, where he earned a B.A. in Economics.

Chet began his professional journey with Sentry Insurance Company in Stevens Point, Wisconsin, excelling as an underwriter and eventually becoming a manager. It was during this time that he and his first wife, Mary, welcomed their son, Chester McDonald IV, better known as "Chip." Later, the family returned to Green Bay, where Chet joined his father at McDonald Lumber Company and there celebrated the birth of his second son, Patrick McDonald.

An ardent aviator, Chet’s passion for flying led him to earn his pilot’s license. He logged countless hours in the air, delighting in both flight and the tinkering of his beloved planes. His enthusiasm extended to train as an air traffic officer and volunteering in the Civil Air Patrol, EAA, and for many years, the Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR).

In 2002, Chet met the love of his life, Jacquie Locken. Jacquie moved to Green Bay in 2005, culminating in their marriage on October 2, 2012. They enjoyed many trips out west to explore the National Parks and they loved wintering in Arizona. He was fortunate to enjoy trips with his grandsons: Will, Henry and Oliver, to the Black Hills, SD, Cody, WY and Montana. Chet was a cowboy at heart and loved watching old westerns. He cherished reading and history.

Chester is survived by his wife, Jacquie; his son, Chip (Katie) McDonald; 3 grandsons: Chester "Will" McDonald V, Henry and Oliver McDonald and 2 sisters, Denise (Tom) Moore and Darcel McDonald. He is further survived by a special cousin, Peggy Matusak, sister-in-law, Coreen McDonald, a niece, Angela Moore (John Flatley) (great-niece, Eleanor), nephew, Hayden (Carlyn) McDonald (great-nephew, Wally and great-niece, Anne), his mother-in-law, Beverly Locken, and numerous other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his son, Patrick McDonald, brother, Michael McDonald, nephew, Mackenzie “Mac” McDonald, and former wife and mother of his children, Mary (Maloney) McDonald.

A celebration of Chet’s life will be held at Newcomer Chapel, located at 340 S. Monroe Avenue in Green Bay, on Saturday, April 18, 2026, from 1 to 3 PM, with a memorial service to follow at 3 PM. Friends and family are warmly invited to share their favorite memories to honor Chet’s enduring spirit.

Veterans and animals held a very special place in Chet's heart. In lieu of flowers, memorials directed to your favorite Veteran's charity or the WI Humane Society in Chet's name are appreciated.

Chet's family would like to extend their gratitude to his cousin, Peggy, as well as the staff at Bellin Hospital, for their exceptional care and compassion. The family would also like to thank ADRC, Curative Connections and Rock Steady Boxing for their support on Chet's Parkinson's journey.

Chester A. McDonald III’s legacy is one of humility and quite strength. Though a man of few words, here are a few of Chet’s favorite quotes: “Never give up the opportunity to keep your mouth shut,” attributed to Winston Churchill, and the sage advice from his father, “Do whatever you think, but be ready to suffer the consequences of your actions.”