McDowell, Marjorie 'Marge' R.

Marjorie “Marge” R. McDowell, 82, died Tuesday, June 11, 2013, at the Vinton Lutheran Home following a long illness. In honoring Marge's wishes, there will be no visitation or formal funeral service. Graveside services will be 2 p.m. Monday, June 17, at Evergreen Cemetery in Vinton, with Gene Spicer CLP officiating.

Marge was born July 20, 1930, in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, the daughter of Henry Oliver and Ruth Jones Schloeman. She graduated from Norway High School and Iowa State Teachers College.

Marge taught general science and biology. During her teaching career, she taught in the Detroit suburb of Madison Heights, Mich., at the Roosevelt School, at Norway Junior High School and Washington High School in Vinton.

On Feb. 13, 1960, Marge was united in marriage with Jack McDowell at the Vinton Presbyterian Church. He preceded her in death on Jan. 8, 2003.

Marge enjoyed genealogy, researching both her family and her husband's. She was also interested in the history of Benton County, particularly the country schools. She did extensive research on each one. She and Jack were also avid arrowhead collectors, rock hunters and bird-watchers.

Marge is survived by one daughter, Leigh Ann McDowell of O'Fallon, Ill.

She was preceded in death by her parents and her husband.

Van Steenhuyse-Russell Funeral Home of Vinton is caring for Marge and her family.

Condolences may be left at www.vsrfh.com.

Published June 15, 2013 in The Gazette