Susan Elizabeth McDonough, 83, of Grinnell, IA passed away peacefully on Sunday, January 4, 2026, at the Mayflower Health Care Center in Grinnell surrounded by her family.

Sue was born on August 26, 1942, in Eau Claire, WI, to Leon and Isabella (Rohrssen) Mahlstedt. She was raised in Sumner, Iowa, and later in Grinnell, where she graduated from Grinnell High School with the Class of 1960. Following high school, she continued her education at the Iowa Lutheran School of Nursing in Des Moines, Iowa.

On September 8, 1963, Sue was united in marriage to Howard McDonough in Grinnell. The couple made their home on a farm east of Grinnell, where they lived and worked together for many years before moving to the Mayflower Community in December of 2023.

Sue was a registered nurse and devoted her professional life caring for others at St. Francis Manor in Grinnell, where she worked until her retirement in 2006. In addition to her nursing career, she worked alongside Howard on the family farm, where they raised livestock and grew much of the food for their family. She took pride in caring for the hogs, cattle, and chickens, and in the life they built together.

Music was a lifelong joy for Sue. She played the clarinet in the Grinnell High School band and sang in both high school and church choirs. Sue continued her involvement with music by playing in her community band. She loved playing John Phillip Sousa music at the What Cheer Opera House. She enjoyed antiquing with friends, reading, and spending time visiting the elderly. Sue loved to travel and cherished trips to Vermont, Colorado, Germany, St. Croix and many travels to carousel conventions with Howard.

Her faith was central to her life. Sue was an active and dedicated member of St. John's Lutheran Church in Grinnell, where she served as a church council member, chairman of the caring team, and a Sunday school teacher.

Above all else, Sue treasured her family. She found great joy in spending time with her children and grandchildren. She was known for making memories and celebrating special moments with family traditions. Sue approached everyone she met with her incredibly kind heart, gentle spirit, and caring nature. She led by example, teaching her family all about treating others with unconditional kindness and empathy.

Sue is survived by her husband of 62 years, Howard McDonough; her sons, Brian (Eva) McDonough of Lincoln, VT, Scott (Lisa) McDonough of Iowa City, IA, Kyle McDonough of Minnetrista, MN, and Bradley (Tonya) McDonough of Solon, IA; one sister, Charlotte Seegers of Central City, Ia; grandchildren, Jacob (Kira), Conor (Chandler), Mae, Walter, Ruby, Kalin, and Maxwell McDonough; great-grandchildren, Ailia and Maren McDonough and one on the way due in June .

She is preceded in death by her parents, one sister, Sarah Burk and her husband Larry; brother-in-law, Joel Seegers, and daughter-in-law, Courtney McDonough.

A memorial service is scheduled for 10:30 am, Thursday, January 8, 2026 at St. John's Lutheran Church in Grinnell, IA.

If desired, memorial contributions may be designated to St. John's Lutheran Church. Memorials may be mailed in care of Smith Funeral Home, PO Box 368, Grinnell, IA 50112.