Frederick Mcdowell

T. Frederick Fritz McDowell, 95, of Onalaska, died on Wednesday, March 28, 2012 in his home with his family by his side. He was born on December 11, 1916 in DeSoto, WI to Charles and Elsie (Groves) McDowell. Fritz worked at Ted Sallanders store in DeSoto, where he met Maecile Mettler, the love of his life. They were married on April 30, 1944 in Amery, WI. In Dads Words: At age 26, while Mae and I were dating, she made the way of Salvation clear to me and led me to the Lord, and I received him as my Savior. That was the beginning of his friendship with the Lord, that grew deaper each year. Fritz was employed with Burlington Northern railroad for 37 years. After retiring he worked as a crossing guard outside of Emerson School. During retirement they lived in a motorhome for 9 years, enabling them to travel to visit family and volunteer at Arrowhead Bible Camp.

He is survived by his wife Mae, three daughters Stella (Terry) Schams of Tempe, AZ, Mary Ann (Gil) Maple of Edina, MN and Janice (Dave) Nelson of Leesburg, FL, one son Jim (Sheryl) McDowell of La Crosse, eleven grandchildren and 30+ great grandchildren, three sisters Elsie McDowell, Ruth Freiheit and Ruby (Barry) Shaw. He was preceded in death by a son Tim McDowell, sisters Etta McDowell, Jessie McDowell, Jennie McDowell, Alberta McDowell, Alida Sallander and Beulah Dietrich and brothers John Ivan, Maurice, Hugh and Blaine. A Celebration of Life will be held at 2:00 PM on Sunday, April 1, 2012 at First Evangelical Free Church, 1950 State Hwy 35, Onalaska. Pastors David Holt and Shane Holden will officiate. A visitation will be held on Saturday, March 31, 2012 from 2-5 PM at the Schumacher Kish Funeral Home, 200 West Ave. S. Fritz had a heart for his church and children, therefore in lieu of flowers memorials may be directed to First Evangelical Free Church or Arrowhead Bible Camp in New Auburn, WI.