Monsignor McDonnell was born on January 15, 1938, in Sterling, Illinois, to John and Henrietta McDonnell (McDermott). Monsignor McDonnell attended St. Charles College, Catonsville, Maryland (1952–56). He attended seminary at St. Mary’s Seminary, Baltimore, Maryland (1959–61), where he received a bachelor’s degree. He also attended The Pontifical North American College, Rome, Italy (1961–65). In 1965, he received his Licentiate in Sacred Theology (S.T.L.) at the Gregorian University, Rome, Italy.
Monsignor McDonnell was ordained to the priesthood on December 16, 1964, by the Most Reverend Francis Reh at St. Peter Basilica, Rome, Italy. Monsignor McDonnell’s first assignment was as Parochial Vicar of St. Edward Parish, Rockford (1965–1966). He was then assigned Parochial Vicar of St. Mary Parish, DeKalb (1966–1971). Monsignor McDonnell was Parochial Vicar at Christ the Teacher University Parish, DeKalb, as well as appointed to Campus Ministry at Newman Center, DeKalb (1971–1979). Monsignor McDonnell was appointed Pastor of St. Margaret Mary Parish, Algonquin (1979–1991). He was appointed Assistant Professor of Pastoral Theology and Associate Director of Field Education at St. Mary’s Seminary and University, Baltimore, Maryland (1991–1992). He then served as Pastor of St. Thomas Aquinas Parish, Freeport (1992–2013). In 1996, Monsignor McDonnell was appointed Vicar Forane for the Freeport Deanery (1996–2013). In 2000, he was named a Prelate of Honor.
Monsignor McDonnell retired from active ministry on July 1, 2013. He continued to assist as a member of the College of Consultors for the Diocese of Rockford (2015–2020). He also served as Spiritual Director for the Pontifical North American College, Vatican City (2015–2018).
On Friday, June 14, 1985, Monsignor McDonnell, along with his classmate Father Jim McLoughlin, who at the time was Pastor of St. Peter in Geneva, IL, was in the midst of leading a pilgrimage of 33 to the Holy Land and Greece. Father Tom Dempsey was invited because he intended to lead a group from his own parish the following year. That Friday, TWA 847, with 153 on board, due to fly from Athens to Rome, was hijacked and became front-line national news. Throughout the ordeal, Monsignor McDonnell kept his faith in the Lord, and thankfully, his group was safely released.
Monsignor McDonnell, known to his family as “Uncle Bill,” loved the holiday gatherings. Before each dinner, Monsignor would lead the family in prayer and always end with a strong Amen and then his signature saying, “Bon Appétit!” After dinner, it was time for a piece of pie and a glass of wine, and then playing cards came out. The holidays were always held at John and Henrietta’s home until the torch was passed to Don and Lavonne’s, before the final years at Mike and Deb’s home. Everyone will remember during the Pitch card games that if you had “an ace and a deuce, you bid 2” and the famous “all by myself!”
Monsignor McDonnell is survived by his brother John J. McDonnell of Chicago, IL; six nephews John McDonnell of Chicago, IL, Daniel McDonnell of Glenview, IL, Kasey McDonnell of Phoenix, AZ, Steven Morgan of Newport News, VA, Michael Morgan of Sterling, IL, and Patrick Morgan of New Buffalo, MI; three nieces Molly McDonnell of Greenwich, CT, Kathy Gerdy (McDonnell) of Sterling, IL, and Teresa Morgan of Jonesboro, GA; as well as numerous great-nieces and nephews.
Monsignor McDonnell is predeceased by his parents, John and Henrietta; his brother Herbert McDonnell; and his sister Mary Lavonne Morgan (McDonnell).
A visitation will take place on Thursday, March 12, from 4:00–7:00 p.m., at St. Mary’s Church, 600 Avenue B in Sterling, IL. Mass of Christian Burial will take place on Friday, March 13, 2026, at 11:00 a.m., at St. Mary Parish, Sterling, with visitation from 10:00–11:00 a.m. prior to the Funeral Mass. Burial will take place at Calvary Cemetery in Sterling immediately after Mass. Arrangements are being completed by McDonald Funeral Home in Sterling, IL.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Mary Catholic Church in Sterling, IL.
