Raymond L. McDowell

McDowell, Raymond L. REEDSBURG-Raymond L. McDowell, age 88, of Reedsburg, passed away peacefully on Sunday, Aug. 30, 2009, at Reedsburg Area Senior Life Center. He was born on Feb. 16, 1921, in Boscobel, to Lloyd and Merle (Rounds) McDowell. Ray graduated from Boscobel High School as valedictorian. He attended UW-Platteville on a football scholarship. Ray served in the U. S. Army for 23 years and earned the rank of master sergeant. He was a recipient of a Purple Heart during World War II, after being wounded in action. Ray married Rose Promenschenkel on Jan. 4, 1946, in Dubuque, Iowa. He owned and operated his own asphalt company for several years before retiring. Ray is survived by his wife, Rose; children, Terri (Grant) Thomas, Mike, Pat, Danna Groom, and Dennis; and several grandchildren and great-grandchildren; and sisters, Marlene Olver and Dolores (Pete) Gilbertson.He was preceded in death by his parents; daughters, Catherine Rose and Sandra Kay; brothers, Clyde McDowell and Donald Mallary; and daughter-in-law, Rose (Davenport) McDowell. Funeral services will be held at GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL HOME, 5203 Monona Drive, Madison, at 2 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 4, 2009. Visitation will be at the funeral home from 1 p.m. until the time of the service. Burial will be at Highland Memory Gardens. A special thanks to Southern Care Hospice for their outstanding assistance before his death. Ray will always be remembered for his zest for life and sense of humor. He will be missed by all who knew him. Cemetery: Burial will be at Highland Memory Gardens. Visitation: Visitation will be at the funeral home from 1 p.m. until the time of the service Service: Funeral services will be held at GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL HOME, 5203 Monona Drive, Madison, at 2 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 4, 2009.