Tyler McDonald loved his family, music, the lake, fishing, and an ice-cold garage beer.

Tyler was born on October 20th, 1983, to his parents Terry and Robyn. He was the first-born son, first grandson, and first nephew on both sides of the family. The minute he entered this world he changed it. Not just for his mom and dad, but for everyone who would get to know him. Growing up, Tyler and his family had a lot more fun than yours did. In their classic Jamestown basement, you could find them singing and dancing to everything from “YMCA” to “Kokomo,” movie nights with family, and opening Christmas gifts with matching MN Vikings jerseys. The old VHS Camcorder caught some perfect family memories that today bring the family to smiling tears. Tyler was not shy in front of the camera, was joyful and silly and loved making others laugh. He was mischievous and drove his parents nuts, getting caught bringing questionable items to school and locking his sisters out of the house, but if they made it to school in the “Toad” on time, Tyler was happy.

Tyler joined the Army National Guard in 2001. He bravely signed up to support and defend his country at a time that many would shy away. He served for 10 years, becoming a member of the Honor Guard, supporting fellow veterans. This was a distinction he was proud to hold.

Nikki and Tyler met in March 2022 on a blind date that would end up with them falling in love and blending two families into one. They shared many of the same interests from music and movies to fishing, and their favorite – thrift shopping. They could never leave Walmart without Ty going down the clearance aisle “just to look”. Tyler and Nikki were engaged in October 2023, and even though they never got the Halloween wedding they wanted (it was his favorite holiday and her favorite season) their love for one another only grew stronger. They were married September 20, 2025, at the Fargo Sanford Hospital surrounded by their loved ones. Although their time together was short, their love for one another and their children will go on for years to come.

Tyler’s kids will always remember him teaching them to ride their bikes, catching a trophy winning smelly carp, but also sneaking in the kitchen late at night for snacks. They loved coming along on “shopping trips” when Tyler would find everything and more on someone else’s curb. He was a master of finding the magic in holidays for his kids and Halloween was a family favorite. Evie once dressed up in 4 different costumes on a single evening while they collected 5 pounds of candy. Chet dressed up as an Army man “like his dad,” with dreams of saving lives when he gets older. His children adored him; he would do anything for them and ensured they knew they were loved beyond measure.

Whether it was decorating for the holidays, manning the grill, or hanging with family, having garage beers, Tyler was doing it all with an infectious smile. No matter what it was, there were always laughs because even more, he was a master of having fun. The minute Tyler left this world, it dimmed. The love he gave to the people around him, and how much he was loved in return will be forever missed.

Tyler is loved and survived by his wife Nikki McDonald daughter Evelyn and son Chet. Stepchildren Derek Meza, Abby Meza. Parents Terry & Robyn McDonald; sister Tahnee (Mychael) Ruud, nephew Mylo; sister Taryn (Mitch) Zachman, nephew Weston, nieces Blake & Dillon. Grandpa Sid (Dixie) Hohbein, Grandma Karen Regner, Grandma Carol McDonald. Father-in-law Ronald and mother in-law Linda Manke. Brother in-law Patrick Manke. Uncle Doug and Aunt Barb Coyle, Uncle Jay and Aunt Brenda Buttram, Aunt Rhonda Nauman, Aunt Lisa Hohbein. Cousins Jake Nauman, Jaycee Haas, Jett Nauman, Brannigan Hamrick, Delaney Coyle, Rilee Hohbein, Makenna Hohbein.

Tyler is preceded in death by Grandpa Robert (Kayo) McDonald, Step Grandpa Cletus (Sonny) Regner, Jr., Uncle Jeff Nauman, Uncle Randy Hohbein.

In lieu of flowers, Tyler’s family is asking for donations to be made to a trust established for his children, Evie and Chet. Thank you.