Charles “Don” Donell McDowall, age 83, died on Saturday, June 10, 2023 in Tucson, Arizona surrounded by family. Don was born on Aug. 19, 1939, in Grand Forks, North Dakota to Douglas and Yvonne (Bertrand) McDowall. His childhood years took him to a variety of places. After living in Bathgate, ND, Don’s family moved to Niobrara, NE. Years later, when his dad, Douglas, got a job as Superintendent at the Flandreau Indian Reservation, his family moved to Flandreau, SD. Don remained in Niobrara and graduated from the local high school, where he was the quarterback for the football team and participated in several sports, including competitive boxing. He earned his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Business Education from Wayne State College.
He married the love of his life, Judy Warnholtz in Sioux City, Iowa on Feb. 4,1961. Together, they embarked on a beautiful journey and raised their family in Emmetsburg. Don and Judy dedicated over forty years to the field of education, imparting knowledge and shaping the lives of countless students. Don's passion for teaching, particularly in the realm of business and accounting, left an indelible mark on the community. His dedication to the Emmetsburg school system was further exemplified by his recognition as Technology Teacher of the Year for the State of Iowa and his unwavering support for the E-hawks.
After retiring from their teaching careers, Don and Judy pursued their lifelong dream of owning a home in Canada. Their cabin on Lake of the Woods became a sanctuary where they entertained friends and created cherished memories; Trips to White Fish Bay, Pinochle tournaments, trout fishing at Crow Lake, and shore lunches on the banks of Lake of the Woods. They fostered lasting relationships with fellow teachers and students, ensuring that their impact extended far beyond the classroom.
Don and Judy recently celebrated their 62nd wedding anniversary, and their love story resonated throughout the years. Don’s devotion to Judy was everlasting as he cared for her until his final day.
Today his legacy is evident through the numerous testimonials from past students. He impacted the lives and careers of so many young people. His spirit will live on through those who remember his positive outlook and compassion for others. Don had an uncanny ability to keep things “light”, offering humor in stressful times. He naturally built positive morale with his practical jokes and infectious laugh. Ernest Hemingway says it best: “Every man has two deaths, when he is buried in the ground and the last time someone says his name. In some ways, men can be immortal.” Our hope is that his stories will live on forever through his students, friends, family, and loved ones. Beyond his family, Don possessed a green thumb and delighted in tending to his garden. He was also an avid ice fisherman, finding solace and joy on frozen lakes.
Don is survived by his wife, Judy (Warnholtz) McDowall and four daughters: Sue (Rich) Haberkamp of West Des MoineS; Linda John of Tucson, AZ; Lori (Kris) Phillips of Madrid, IA; and Kristi (Cory) Holl of Louisville, NE. He deeply loved his eleven grandchildren: Kyle (Jill) Fett, Zach (Lindsay) Fett, Matt (Sam) Fett, Tyler John, MacKayla John, Mallori Phillips, MacKenzi (Trevor) Havlicek, Raegan (Bret) Belter, Rilee (Caleb) Mulligan, Delanie Holl, & Jace Holl. He was extremely blessed to also have 10 great-grandchildren and loved them deeply: Addie, Elsie, Emmary, and Owen Fett, Ayla and Jaelyn Fett, Charlie and Hendrix Fett, Dierks and Hayes Havlicek. He is also survived by brothers, Jim, Mark and Doug and sister, Jane. He is survived by a host of close friends. Don was preceded in death by his parents Douglas (Mac) and Yvonne McDowall, and sister, Rita McDole.
A private family celebration of life will take place on Sunday, June 18. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to the family to be used towards an Emmetsburg High School scholarship fund for aspiring business students. Condolences/memorials may be sent to Lori Phillips, 101 Cyclone Lane, Madrid, IA 50156.
