Stuart McDonald, a 1949 graduate of Grand Forks Central High School, is perhaps most recognized for the cartoons he created for the Sunday editions of the Grand Forks Herald, where he was North Dakota's only regularly published editorial cartoonist from 1963-1969.  McDonald received three George Washington Honor Medals from the Freedom Foundation at Valley Forge for his cartoons during this time.

McDonald attended the University of North Dakota for two years before joining the United States Air Force in 1951. Following his service, McDonald returned to Grand Forks and became vice president of McDonald Clothing Company. McDonald was involved in a number of community clubs and organizations including the Grand Forks Chamber of Commerce and the Sertoma Club. He also received the Jaycees Outstanding Young Man Award.

In 1967, McDonald was elected to the North Dakota House of Representatives where he served until 1971.