Submit a PhotoAlexander Von McDonald, age 43, passed away on July 24, 2024, after a courageous battle with the rare cancer, Cholangiocarcinoma. He was surrounded by his loving wife, children, and family as he returned home to his Heavenly Father.
Alex was born in Garden City, Kansas, on August 11, 1980, to David and Jackie McDonald. He was raised in Pasco, Washington where he loved playing in the Columbia River with his brother, shooting basketball hoops on the driveway, and spending his Pasco High School days on the cross country and golf team. He was blessed over land and sea as he served a mission for The Church Of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the Micronesia Guam Mission. He spent his time in the Marshall Islands where he learned to speak Marshallese. Alex valiantly served the Lord and was loved by all, especially the young children. When he returned home, he attended Brigham Young University-Idaho where he met his best friend and eternal companion, Anna Puhlmann. They were married on December 30, 2003, in the Mesa Arizona Temple. In 2005, Alex and Anna moved to Seattle, Washington, where Alex attended The University of Washington School of Pharmacy. Upon graduation in 2009, they moved to Mesa, Arizona. They have spent the last 15 years in the same home where they have built strong and supportive friendships. Alex worked as a Pharmacist for CVS Health and was a pillar of light and strength to his co-workers and the community around him.
Alex was one of a kind of when it came to work and service. He took meticulous care of his yard, making sure he always had beautiful green grass and trimmed palm trees (which he climbed and trimmed on his own). When he wasn’t serving his family he was serving others. His energy level was invincible (even during chemotherapy treatment) and he used it for good. He was often the first to show up with his trailer when someone was moving, lend out his kayaks, smoke delicious meat for a crowd, or just share his smile. He always loved the Lord and spent the last few years as a primary activity leader where he put his heart into serving the young boys. He also attended Young Women girls camp as a priesthood leader many times with Anna and Young Men’s camp as a cook. Alex had a great love for the outdoors. He was always planning an adventure to kayak down the Salt River with friends, cliff jump at Saguaro Lake with the kids, hike to Revis Ranch to pick apples, or take his boys on a backpacking trip to The Crack.
Alex is survived by his wife of 20 years, Anna, and his 5 children, Braden (16), Kyler (12), Maelee (11), Camden (9), and Harlee (5); parents David and Jackie McDonald; siblings Mary Ann Scoville (John-Paul), Tyler McDonald (Kathryn); grandmother Susana Satterfield, in-laws Martin and Denise Puhlmann, Ed Puhlmann, Eric Puhlmann, Russell Puhlmann (Bailey), 8 nieces and nephews and many other family and friends.
A viewing will be held on Thursday, August 1, from 6:00-8:00pm, at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (10725 E Point 22 Blvd, Mesa, AZ 85212). A funeral service will be held on Friday, August 2, at 11:00am at the same location. There will also be a live stream.
Live stream link: https://www.youtube.com/live/ZPIU4imGfKM?si=Msq2LkyQsynjQ76Y
In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to Alex’s family or to the Cholangiocarcinoma Foundation in his honor. (Venmo is preferred as there are no fees associated with donations)
Venmo: https://venmo.com/u/annamcdonald23
Go Fund Me: https://gofund.me/61f8
Cholangiocarcinoma Foundation: https://cholangiocarcinoma.org
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My thoughts and prayers are with everyone. I learned how to be a great Pharmacy Technician because of Alex and his willingness to teach and share his wisdom.
A great friend, a great leader and a great father . He was an all rounder with pleasant smile to carry and a firm handshake. He was a down to earth soul who never had a regret and used to embrace any changes of life . Deepest and heartfelt condolences for the loss of this great soul.
Thank you for the obituary and streaming info. Again, much love from McCanns
Denise,
My heart aches for your Anna, kids and entire family. I understand the pain and grief all too real. It’s incredibly difficult to lose such a wonderful husband and father. My love goes out to you and your beautiful family. Lots of love and hugs. ❤️
My condolences to the family. I’m very heartbroken with the news. My Thoughts and prayers with the family!
Extending my sincere condolences for your loss. Alex was kind and patient with me when I worked with him at the CVS store at Recker and Brown. Especially after I lost my husband in July of 2022.
Our hearts are broken. Sending so much love and comfort to his family and the entire McDonald clan. Love you all and so very saddened by this loss.
My heartfelt condolences to the family , I am so so sad to hear the news ,my thoughts and prayers to his family.????
Anna,
There are no words to express how much our hearts ache for you and your family. Even though it’s been years, listening to all the stories of Alex made it feel like just yesterday we were all at back at UW. We send our love to your family.
My sincere condolences to Anna and the family. I had the wonderful blessing of being Alex‘s roommate in college. We became fast friends. I have great memories of group dates, intramural football, and serving together in our Ward. You won’t meet a better man than Alex. He was the perfect example to me of how to live a Christ centered life and have fun doing it. His smile was infectious and will never be forgotten. I’m so sorry to hear about his passing. He will be missed. Anna, our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
My thoughts and prayers are with Alexs family and loved ones during this time. I will always remember him as being one of the greatest bosses/Pharmacists I have had the honor of working with, and I will miss him greatly ❤️