Judy Ann McDowall

Judy Ann McDowall, age 85, died on July 1, 2026, at Grand Living at Tower Place in West Des Moines, Iowa, surrounded by the love of her family.

Judy was born on January 27, 1941, in Sioux City, Iowa. From an early age, she developed a deep appreciation for the outdoors, where she became an avid swimmer, worked as a lifeguard, and began developing her reputation as an expert fisherwoman. She carried that adventurous spirit throughout her life. Judy earned her bachelor's degree in elementary education from Wayne State College and later received her master's degree in talented and gifted education from Minnesota State University in Mankato.

She married the love of her life, Don McDowall, in Sioux City, Iowa, on February 4, 1961. Together, they built a wonderful life, raising their family of four daughters in Emmetsburg, Iowa, while spending summers on an island on Lake of the Woods in Nestor Falls, Ontario, Canada. They shared more than six decades of marriage, family, and cherished memories before Don's passing on June 10, 2023.

Judy and Don dedicated more than forty years to the field of education, shaping the lives of countless students. Judy's career included positions with the Emmetsburg Community School District, the Area Education Agency (AEA), and the Oskaloosa Community School District. As an educator and administrator, she was respected for her leadership, compassion, and unwavering commitment to helping others succeed. She believed deeply in the value of education and worked tirelessly to make a positive difference in the lives of those she served.

Today, her legacy is reflected in the countless testimonials from former students whose lives and careers she influenced. She will be remembered as a lifelong learner whose curiosity and creativity inspired everyone around her. Judy believed that resourcefulness was one of life's greatest gifts. As a seventh-grade English teacher, she challenged her students to think beyond the ordinary, even guiding them in publishing their own teen magazines. Away from the classroom, she found joy in creating beautiful quilts, blankets, and rugs, baking breads and pies, and transforming simple materials into treasured works of art. She often shared her favorite measure of creativity by asking prospective teachers, "Tell me 20 uses for a soup can," believing that imagination, ingenuity, and a willingness to see possibilities were the hallmarks of a gifted educator and a life well lived.

Following retirement, Judy and Don made their homes in Tucson, Arizona, during the winter months and Nestor Falls, Ontario, during the summers for more than twenty years. Family was the center of Judy's life. She took immense pride in her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren and treasured every opportunity to spend time with them. Her wisdom, encouragement, and unconditional love created a legacy that will continue through the generations.

Judy is survived by her four daughters, Susan (Rich) Haberkamp of Tucson, Arizona; Linda John of Tucson, Arizona; Lori (Kris) Phillips of Madrid, Iowa; and Kristi (Cory) Holl of Louisville, Nebraska. She deeply loved her eleven grandchildren: Kyle (Jill), Zach (Lindsay), and Matt (Sam) Fett; Tyler John, MacKayla John, Mallori Phillips, and MacKenzi (Trevor) Havlicek; Raegan (Bret) Belter, Rilee (Caleb) Mulligan, Delanie Holl, and Jace Holl.

She was also blessed with fourteen great-grandchildren, whom she loved dearly: Addie, Elsie, Emmary, and Owen Fett; Ayla and Jaelyn Fett; Charlie and Hendricks Fett; Honzay Phillips; Dierks and Hayes Havlicek; Leo Belter; and Camry and Berkley Mulligan.

Judy was preceded in death by her husband, Charles Donell McDowall; her parents, Neil and Dorothy Warnholtz; and her sister, Jo Ellen.

Judy will be remembered for her dedication to education, her unwavering belief in the power of learning, her devotion to family, and the kindness, wisdom, and encouragement she shared with everyone fortunate enough to know her.

A private family celebration of life will take place at Grand Living at Tower Place in West Des Moines. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to the family to support the Emmetsburg High School Judy and Don McDowall Scholarship Fund for aspiring educators. Condolences and memorials may be sent to Lori Phillips, 101 Cyclone Lane, Madrid, IA 50156.