Illraye McDonald

Illraye McDonald, age 81, of Yankton, South Dakota died peacefully in her home surrounded by family on Tuesday, April 22, 2025.

Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:30 AM, on Monday, April 28, 2025 at St. Benedict Catholic Church in Yankton with Reverend Tom Anderson officiating. Burial will be in the Sacred Heart Cemetery in Yankton. Visitation is from 5:00 to 7:00 PM, on Sunday, April 27 at the Wintz & Ray Funeral Home in Yankton with a rosary and vigil service at 7:00 PM. Visitation also continues one hour prior to the funeral at the church.

Illraye McDonald (Peterka) was a bright light in the lives of all who knew her. Her laughter, sharp wit, and unshakable joy were constants in every circle she touched. Whether it was with her Bunco gals, the St. Benedict’s choir, old classmates, coffee and lunch groups, her Friday night friends, or fellow travelers on a road trip, Illraye was always the life of the party. Wherever she went, fun and laughter followed.

Born on September 8, 1943, in Yankton, South Dakota, to Fred and Josephine (Janda) Peterka, Illraye spent her entire life in the community she loved so dearly. She attended Sacred Heart Catholic School and graduated from Yankton High School in 1961. Her deep roots in Yankton were a source of pride, especially her cherished Czech heritage. She was a constant at the annual Czech Days celebration - a tradition she held close to her heart.

On November 10, 1964, she married the love of her life, Duane McDonald, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church. Their marriage was a true partnership, full of love, laughter, and memories, celebrating an incredible 60 years together this past year.

Illraye’s dedication extended beyond her family and friends. She devoted 56 years of her life to Sacred Heart and later Avera Sacred Heart Hospital as a Histologist in the lab. In a world of constant change, Illraye’s loyalty and work ethic were truly rare.

Music was one of Illraye’s passions, and she shared her beautiful voice with many. She sang with the Sweet Adelines, Sacred Heart Choir, and the St. Benedict’s Choir, offering her gift of song nearly every Sunday she was able.

She was a woman of many joys: window shopping and hunting for bargains, soaking in the pool or lazy river with friends, sharing a drink on a sunny day, and always, always surrounding herself with the people she loved.

But of all her joys, her greatest pride was her family. She is survived by her husband, Duane McDonald of Yankton; three children: Jeff (Ann) McDonald of Tea, SD, Michelle (Shawn) Boese of Yankton, and Jason (Michelle Despres) McDonald of Denver, CO. Being called “Mom” was one of her life’s greatest honors. She was a proud and loving grandmother to: Trevor Small, Caitlyn (Jacob) Schneiderman, Courtney (Chase) Ellis, Brayden Boese, and Addison Boese. She also leaves behind three cherished great-grandchildren: Henry, Sutton, and Benson Schneiderman; brother, Curt (Iris) Peterka of Yankton; sister, Phyllis (Richard) Yeager of Yankton; and many nieces, nephews and in-laws.

Illraye was preceded in death by her parents and nephew, Ryan Peterka.

To have known Illraye was to have laughed a little louder, smiled a little brighter, and loved a little deeper. She leaves behind a legacy of warmth, strength, and unforgettable joy.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Sacred Heart Cemetery at 509 Capital St. in Yankton or St. Jude Children’s Hospital at www.stjude.org.