Pearl K. McDonough helped to save Charles D. Rife from drowning, Des Moines, Iowa, February 10, 1974. When he broke through ice that covered Coon Valley Sand Pit and could not get out of the deep water, Rife, 61, held to the edge of the hole. McDonough, 51, construction worker, made his way to the hole and tried in vain to lift Rife, who outweighed him. Further efforts by McDonough resulted in his breaking through and forming another hole, but he got out of the water quickly. The ice broke between the two holes. McDonough obtained a log and took it to the enlarged hole with the help of two other men who had arrived. Unable to get Rife out of the water, the three men secured large branches and positioned them around Rife. By the combined efforts of McDonough and the other two men, Rife then was removed from the water. 53863-6128
53863 – 6128
53863-6128Obituary
Pearl Kenneth McDonough, 74, of Des Moines, Iowa, died of a heart attack on Feb. 15, 1997.
McDonough was born in Melrose, Iowa, and had lived in Ottumwa, Idaho, before moving to Des Moines, where he lived for 51 years. He worked in construction as a carpenter. He served in the Navy during World War II. He belonged to Park Avenue Presbyterian Church and the Carpenter’s Union.
He was buried at Highland Memory Gardens Cemetery in Des Moines.
(Edited from an obituary provided by a family member.)