David Earl McDowell

It is with deep sorrow and heavy hearts that we announce the passing of David Earl McDowell, 76, on January 29, 2026, surrounded by the love of his family. David was born December 29, 1949, in Oconto, Wisconsin, the son of Verna and Richard McDowell and the middle sibling of five.

David grew up on the family dairy farm in Oconto where the days of hard work were long but endearing with his siblings Rick, Betty, Marilyn, and Kathy. These hard times of self-sufficiency also shaped his relentless work ethic, humbleness, and many talents he would share and teach others throughout his life. His education began in a simple one-room schoolhouse, McDowell School, where he was an ace mathematician. He graduated from Oconto High School where he played football, wrestled, ran track, and even played tuba in the band. David continued his education receiving a bachelor's degree from UW Stevens Point, traveled the country on many adventures, and this is where he also met his future wife, Naomi Beck.

David was a master builder and conversationalist. He touched the lives of those who had the honor of knowing him in truly extraordinary ways. There is a good possibility if you knew David, then you also raised a family in one of the many custom homes he built or remodeled, that you are sitting at a table he hand-crafted, or that you nourished from his massive garden, fruit trees, or maple syrup making that he so loved to generously gift. For many, he was a mentor, providing knowledge of his building craft, gardening, hunting, fishing, resourcefulness, rooted in humbleness and generosity.

David was a proud father and is survived by his ex-wife Naomi who continued to be an exceptionally helpful and supportive friend throughout his life. He is also survived by three sons and daughters-in-law; Adam (Elyn), Travis (Sarah), and Clayton (Dovelyn); his brother Rick (Julie), and sisters Betty (Michael) Bowerman, Marilyn (Jerry) Kabat, and Kathy (Peter) Kurth; seven cherished grandchildren William, Aidan, Aubrey, Sullivan, Harrison, Mircea, and Marshall; 10 beloved nieces and nephews, and dear friend Nicoli Palmer. All three sons (and several nephews) grew up working alongside David building homes, learning and living his craft with a stout work ethic and a commitment to the highest quality. David's vast knowledge and building legacy continues to this day with the many he has employed and with youngest son Clayton's business, Urban North.

There will be a celebration of life event for David this summer for friends and family; we encourage attendees to share their favorite memories at the event in what will be a memorable tribute to a renaissance man. In lieu of sending flowers or donations, we encourage you to honor David's legacy by planting a garden, building a project, and sharing your insights or harvests with others. This, we believe, would be the best tribute to his extraordinary life.