After a magnificent celebration at Saint Pius X Church on June 2, Monsignor Joseph J.
McDonnell, 72, died June 8, 2013 at Mercy Hospice in Johnston, IA. A Funeral Mass will be
celebrated at St. Pius X Catholic Church in Urbandale at 10 a.m. Friday, June 14, followed by
burial at Glendale Cemetery. There will be a Rosary at 3 p.m. and the family will receive
friends from 4 to 7 p.m. Thursday, June 13, at St. Pius X Church with a Vigil at 7 p.m.
Thursday.

Monsignor McDonnell grew up in Saint Anthony Parish, attended Dowling High School,
Conception Seminary and then Mount Saint Bernard Seminary. He was ordained to the
priesthood on June 4, 1967 at Saint Ambrose Cathedral in Des Moines. On November 7, 1989
he was named Monsignor by Blessed John Paul II.

He served as Assistant Pastor at Saint John Church in Des Moines and Saint Michael Church
in Harlan. He was the Co-Director of the Chaplaincy Program in the Greater Des Moines Area.
He then joined the Team Ministry in the Leon Region. After a sabbatical for study he became
Pastor of Saint Ambrose Cathedral. His next assignment was as pastor of Sacred Heart
Church in West Des Moines. His last assignment was as pastor of Saint Pius X in Urbandale.
He retired September 1, 2012.

He was known for his humorous "sayings" and deep spirituality. His devotion to the Blessed
Virgin Mary led him to lead many trips to Medjugorje accompanied by friends and
parishioners. As pastor he held Christ Renews His Parish Retreats in each of his parishes and
this movement has spread to other parishes. Much of the success of the Christ Our Life
Conferences was due to his direction and support as they were being prepared. In addition to
his tremendous support of St. Pius X school he renovated St. Pius X church building.

He was truly a devoted pastor wherever he served.

Monsignor McDonnell is survived by his brother, Dr. Dennis E. (Dr. Jean E. Murrin) McDonnell
of Onalaska, WI; his sister, Mrs. Paula Powell of Des Moines; his sister, Lynne (Jonathan P.)
Braley of Needham, MA; and his sister, Mary Frances (Ronald R.) Booth of Dellwood, MN. He
will be greatly missed by his twelve nieces and nephews and twelve great nieces and
nephews. He always tried to be involved in their lives.

Monsignor McDonnell was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph J. and Beatrice G.
McDonnell.

Memorials may be made for Masses or to Saint Pius X Parish or the Priest Pension Fund Society of the Diocese of Des Moines, Ia., 601 Grand Ave. in Des Moines, Ia. 50309