James Kevin McDonnell passed away peacefully in his Townsend home on January 19, 2024, following an extended illness that he faced with the same courage and positivity that defined his entire life. He was 62.
Kevin was born in Billings, Montana, on December 19, 1961, to Leo McDonnell, Sr., and Donna (Dowlin) McDonnell. He was the sixth child and third son in a rambunctious, hard-working ranch family.
Kevin spent his early years in Joilet and Billings, Montana, where he participated in many activities, including 4-H, wrestling, roping, and working the family businesses – Midland Bull Test and the Joliet ranch. Kevin graduated from Billings West High School in 1980 and received his engineering degree from Montana State University. Kevin had a long career in engineering, both in the private sector and with the State of Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks.
He was married to Beth Ihle for 22 years and raised his family in Townsend, Montana, where he lived for over 30 years. Kevin had a lifelong love for Montana and any activity that could keep him outside, notably skiing, biking, fishing, and hunting. While supporting his beloved kids, he led the Townsend School and Heritage Park renovations and coached numerous sports teams. Kevin showed love for his community through decades of service and set the highest example of what it means to be a leader in one’s community.
He is preceded in death by his father, mother, and his sister, Mary Von Forell (Hardy). He is survived by four children from his marriage to Beth: Andrew Weston McDonnell (Megan), Augusta Renee Conley (Ryan), Katherine Faye McDonnell (Russ), and Grace Amelia McDonnell, and granddaughter, Savannah Ruth McDonnell, and three siblings, Mike McDonnell, Jeanette Manley (Scott), Leo McDonnell, Jr., (Sam), and Patty Brus (Tim), and a large extended family.
Please join the family this weekend to honor Kevin’s life.
A Family Receiving Friends viewing at the Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home in Townsend, Montana, will be open from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Friday, January 26.
A Celebration of His Life will be held at the Trailhead Christian Fellowship Church in Townsend at 11 a.m. on Saturday, January 27. A reception with a sit-down lunch will follow directly after the service at the Townsend School Commons. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Kevin McDonnell Memorial Scholarship Fund at Opportunity Bank, the scholarships will be awarded to Broadwater High School graduating seniors.
Service Schedule
Family Receiving Friends
5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Friday January 26, 2024
Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
212 Broadway
Townsend, Montana 59644
Celebration of His Life
11:00 a.m.
Saturday January 27, 2024
Trailhead Christian Fellowship Church
20 Trailhead View Drive
Townsend, Montana
Reception
Immediately Following the Celebration of Kevin's Life
Saturday January 27, 2024
Townsend Schools Commons/Old Multipurpose Room
Townsend, Montana
Service Schedule
Family Receiving Friends
5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Friday January 26, 2024
Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
212 Broadway
Townsend, Montana 59644
Celebration of His Life
11:00 a.m.
Saturday January 27, 2024
Trailhead Christian Fellowship Church
20 Trailhead View Drive
Townsend, Montana
Reception
Immediately Following the Celebration of Kevin's Life
Saturday January 27, 2024
Townsend Schools Commons/Old Multipurpose Room
Townsend, Montana
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Patti Davis says
Hugs and prayers to the whole family…
Mark Thompson says
I am sorry to hear of Kevin’s passing. I grew up with him in southern MT and have many fond memories of working cattle with him, seeing him at ropings, and social events. I remember him most for his love of being in on a good prank, his infectious smile, and sharp wit.
Blessings and condolences to his family.
Mark Thompson
Kelly Hatfield says
I came to know Kevin through the shared lives of our daughters. They attended the Coast Guard Academy together and were Rugby team mates. Kevin and I were both public servants and native Montanans. I followed his MT FWP work through Facebook. Although our friendship was relatively brief. He was a kind, straightforward man. I wish the best to Katherine and the rest of the family.
Marilyn Vukonich says
I’ve known Kevin since he was a young man helping at the family ranch in Joliet. My most fond memories are when he would come to our house to visit when he was in college and sit on the floor and play Breyer horses with our two small girls. They still remember him and the neat guy he was. And Kevin was a great dancer after some ropings, always such a joy to be around. I wish we’d seen him more through his life. He went on to do the great things in life, and that is to be a dedicated father, friend, and community member. He will be missed.
Donna Ihle says
Our family always enjoyed spending time with Kevin. We will miss him. Our hearts are with all the McDonnells during these tough days. We hope you’re all OK.