Earl L. Mcdowell

Earl Lee McDowell, age 73, of rural Hawley, MN passed away on June 20, 2009, in Elim Care Center, Fargo, ND, with his family by his side. Earl Lee McDowell, son of Earl and Laura Gebeke McDowell, was born on December 12, 1935 in Fargo, ND. Earl grew up in Dilworth, MN where he graduated from high school. He married Emily Winjum in 1957. Earl served in the United States Army for two years, serving in Hawaii. Earl worked for Northern Pacific Burlington Northern Railroad for 41 years before retiring in 1994. He married Joyce Berg on May 29, 1992 in Minot, ND. Earl loved raising his cattle which he pursued since his purchase of a hobby farm in 1969. His hobbies included the cattle, woodworking, dancing, fishing, gardening, playing cards and most importantly, his family. The coffee pot was always on and the door was always open to family and friends at Earl and Joyce's home. Earl was truly a giving man who was always there to help anyone in need. He will be missed dearly by his family and numerous friends. He is survived by his wife, Joyce McDowell of Moorhead, MN; daughter, Cheryl John Gunvalson of Gonvick, MN; son, Terry Joyce McDowell of Cincinnati, OH; five step-daughters, Susan Lawrence Crockett of Langdon, ND, Jane Berg of Richmond, VA, Trudy Berg of Fargo, ND, Charlene Ty Kunnanz of West Fargo, ND and Paula Roghan of Minot, ND; 19 grandchildren, 8 great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. Earl is preceded in death by his parents; brother, James McDowell; sisters, Ruth Dayton, Louise and Iris McDowell; daughter-in-law, Sharon Sidovar-McDowell and a step- great grandson, Caleb.In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to a charity of the givers choice.