Shawn Eric McDonald, 53, Passes Away in Cedar Rapids

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Shawn Eric McDonald, a 53-year-old resident of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, passed away on February 10, 2026. Visitation will be held on February 19, followed by a memorial service on February 20. McDonald was known for his passion for music and work in the food service industry, including as a sous chef in Nashville and a chef in Cedar Rapids.

Why it matters

McDonald's passing is a loss for the Cedar Rapids community, where he was known for his musical talents and culinary skills. His life story highlights the diverse paths individuals can take in pursuing their passions, from music to the culinary arts.

The details

Shawn Eric McDonald was born on June 20, 1972, in Cedar Rapids, to Lawrence and Jennie L. (Rohrbacher) McDonald. He graduated from College Community High School, where he performed in award-winning music ensembles. He went on to study music at Belmont University and the College of the Ozarks in Branson, Missouri. McDonald later moved to Nashville, Tennessee, where he discovered a passion for cooking while working as a sous chef at the 101st Airborne Restaurant. He spent more than 11 years in the food service industry and previously worked as a chef at Grand Living at Indian Creek in Cedar Rapids.

• Shawn Eric McDonald passed away on Tuesday, February 10, 2026.
• Visitation will be held from 4 to 7 p.m. on Thursday, February 19, 2026, at Murdoch Funeral Home & Cremation Service in Center Point, Iowa.
• A memorial service will take place at 11 a.m. on Friday, February 20, 2026, at the funeral home.
• Burial will follow at St. Mary's Cemetery in Urbana, Iowa.

What’s next

A GoFundMe page will be created to honor Shawn's memory and assist with funeral expenses.