Ronald L. (Mike) McNally, age 86, passed away on Tuesday, June 11, 2024, at his residence in Falls Church, Virginia. He was born on January 24, 1938, to Louis J. McNally and Clara (Mork) McNally. After graduating from high school, Ron went on to earn a Bachelor’s degree in Engineering at Iowa State University, a Masters Degree in Electrical Engineering at the University of Missouri, and a PhD in Electrical Engineering at Michigan State University. After graduation, Ron was a member of the Department of Electrical Engineering at Purdue University. During his academic career, Ron was selected for the National Science Foundation Summer Research Experience at Worchester Polytechnic Institute. In addition, as an undergraduate at Iowa State, he was proud to have participated in researching and building the first satellites to launch into space under the direction of Dr. James Van Allen. He continued using his expertise in engineering and communications as a contractor with Analytic Services, Inc., and Titan Software Systems.
He met and married the love of his life, Sarah Alice (Andoe) McNally in Rolla, Missouri in 1964. Ron and Sarah were married until her passing in 1999. He was a devoted husband, and a dedicated father to his daughter, Anne. As grandfather to Sarah, Ashleigh, and Mary he frequently babysat, volunteered, taught them to play Sudoku and Mastermind, drove them to lessons, read books, drew pictures, and took them Christmas shopping. Ron enjoyed theater and attended all of his granddaughter’s performances and special events.
Ron was a member of Harvester Presbyterian Church where he served as a deacon. After the loss of his wife, Sarah, he volunteered as a grief counselor with Haven House of Northern Virginia for many years. He was an active model airplane enthusiast and participated in the Academy of Model Aeronautics Control Line Clubs throughout his life. Ron is survived by his daughter, Anne McNally Pinkstaff and her husband, Brent Pinkstaff; his grand-daughters, Sarah, Ashleigh, and Mary Pinkstaff; his sisters, Sandra Cutler, Patricia Smith and Betty Searles; his sister-in-law, Wanda McNally and his many nieces and nephews.
A viewing will be held at Demaine Funeral Home in Springfield, VA on Saturday, June 22, 2024, from 2:30-4:30.
A Visitation will be held at 11:00 am with a Funeral Service at 12:00 pm on Saturday, June 29, 2024 at Marion Lutheran Church in Gunder, Iowa with Rev. Gary Hatcher as the officiant.
Burial will follow at Marion Lutheran Cemetery in Gunder, Iowa.
Schutte-Grau Funeral Home and Cremation Service of Postville, Iowa is assisting the family with the burial.