Holland, October 2, 2025
News Summary
John E. MacDonald, a long-time judge and dedicated community leader from Holland, passed away at the age of 90. Known for his commitment to public service and the legal community, he served as Chief Judge and continued to positively impact his community even after retirement. His legacy is honored by family and friends as they remember his dedication to family, faith, and service.
Holland – Long-time judge and dedicated community leader John E. MacDonald, aged 90, passed away on September 28, 2025. His contributions to the legal community and his unwavering commitment to public service left a lasting impact in the areas he served.
Born on December 18, 1934, in Flint, Michigan, John was the son of Raymond and Frances (Finch) MacDonald. He spent much of his early life in the greater Detroit area, pursuing his education and laying the foundation for a distinguished legal career. John graduated from Mackenzie High School in 1952, where he served as class president, showcasing his leadership skills from a young age. He later earned an undergraduate degree from the University of Michigan and attended Wayne State University Law School, where he was awarded his Juris Doctorate degree.
John’s legal career began at the Tinkham & Snyder Law Firm in Wayne, where he quickly demonstrated his legal prowess and later became a partner. His dedication to justice and fairness led him to be elected as the Honorable Judge John E. MacDonald in 1985, serving on the 35th District Court for 24 years, including 18 years as Chief Judge. Even after retiring in 2009, John continued to work as a substitute judge until he was 82, reflecting his passion for the law and community service.
John and his wife, Ann Woodruff, whom he married in June 1958, shared 59 years of marriage until her passing in October 2017. The couple met while working on Mackinac Island during their college summer breaks, and their bond grew throughout the years. John moved to Northville in 1969 and later relocated to Holland in 2018.
A devoted member of Ward Presbyterian Church, John served as both elder and deacon, with his strong faith being a cornerstone of his life. He was also actively involved in various community organizations, including past president of the Wayne Kiwanis Club, member of the Wayne Chamber of Commerce, Northville Township Trustee, and Supervisor. Additionally, he served as president of the Livonia Bar Association and contributed to the Wayne County District Judges Association.
John’s commitment to his family was unwavering. He is survived by three children, Thomas (Karen) MacDonald, David (Lori) MacDonald, and Susan (Michael) Magante, as well as his brother, James (Jan) MacDonald, and sister, Julia (the late John) Roberts. He took great joy in his grandchildren: Anne (Danny) O’Connor, John (Maddy Lyons) MacDonald II, Sharon (Michael) Marchbanks, Michael MacDonald, Thomas MacDonald, and David Magante, along with great-grandchildren Everett, Louise, Blair, and Morgan.
In honoring John’s legacy, the community and family reflect on his priorities – family, faith, and public service, all intertwined throughout his life. Visitation will be held on Monday, October 13, 2025, from 10:00 am until 11:00 am, followed by a funeral service at 11:00 am at Casterline Funeral Home, located at 122 West Dunlap, Northville. Burial services will take place at Rural Hill Cemetery in Northville.
Family members have suggested memorial contributions to the Hess Scholarship Fund at Ward Presbyterian Church or to the Salvation Army to honor John’s memory and values.
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Additional Resources
- Hometown Life: John E. MacDonald Obituary
- Wikipedia: John E. MacDonald
- Detroit Free Press: John E. MacDonald Obituary
- Google Search: John E. MacDonald
- Hometown Life: John E. MacDonald’s Contributions to Community
- Encyclopedia Britannica: John E. MacDonald
- Hometown Life: Judge John E. MacDonald Tribute
- Google News: John E. MacDonald
Author: STAFF HERE DETROITMI WRITER
DETROIT STAFF WRITER The DETROIT STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREDetroitMI.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Detroit, Wayne County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Movement Electronic Music Festival, Detroit Grand Prix, and America's Thanksgiving Parade. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Detroit Regional Chamber and Focus HOPE, plus leading businesses in automotive and healthcare that power the local economy such as General Motors, Ford Motor Company, and Henry Ford Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREGrandRapids.com, HERENorthville.com, HERENovi.com, and HEREPlymouth.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Michigan's dynamic landscape.
