Charles “Chuck” William McDowell, 93, a longtime resident of Waukegan, passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by his loving family on June 21, 2022. He was born on August 25, 1928, in Waukegan to the late Charles Jacob and Florence Theresa (O’Neill) McDowell. On September 22, 1964, in Waukegan, Chuck married the love of his life, Barbara J. Andren.
Chuck enlisted in the Army in October of 1946, and was very proud of serving his country. He served in Japan with the 1st Calvary Division 8th Regiment, as a Mortar Assistant. Chuck assisted the first gunner and supervised five men. He joined the Carpenter's Union Local 250 in 1953, and worked for 33 years until his retirement at age 62, and was a member of the Zion Moose club for many years. Following his retirement, Chuck and Barb spent many years traveling to Florida for the winter months. He enjoyed fishing, boating, garage sales, writing poems, baking pineapple upside down cakes, woodworking and making walking sticks. Chuck was a people person who would strike up a conversation with anyone he met, and talk about anything and everything. People enjoyed his quick wit and sense of humor. He loved his wife, Barbara, and was proud of all five of his children. He was a great dad, grandpa, and was loved by his family and friends. He will be missed always.
The McDowell family would like to thank the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), Star Hospice, and Comfort Keepers (his caregivers), for providing services and care for dad over the past nine months.
Chuck is survived by his five children, Steve (Cathleen) McDowell, Dianne (John) Rivelli, Doug (Rebecca) McDowell, Robert McDowell, and Tom (Veronica) McDowell; nine grandchildren, Cori (Kevin) Scholle, Carley (Tim) Rivelli, Megan McDowell, Sean (Moriah) McDowell, Payton McDowell, Charmaine Horace, Casandra McDowell, Samantha McDowell, and Kimberly McDowell; four great grandchildren, Eli, Penny, Cash, and Tinley; one sister-in-law, Gloria Howe; and six nieces and nephews, Jimmy Rea, Vicky Wollert, Ricky (Barb) Wollert, Jean Marie (AJ) Gutierrez, Susan Howe, and Tracy Carpenter. In addition to his parents, Chuck was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 44 years, Barbara J. McDowell, who passed away December 19, 2008; two sisters, Norma (the late John) Karczewski and Patsy Cappert; and brother-in-law, Terry Howe.
A funeral service will be held on Tuesday, June 28, 2022, at 11am, with visitation from 10am-11am, at Ringa Funeral Home, 122 S. Milwaukee Avenue, Lake Villa. Entombment will follow at Warren Cemetery, Gurnee with Army Military Funeral Honors. Arrangements entrusted to Sambrano Funeral & Cremation, Gurnee. Please sign the guestbook at LAURASAMBRANOFUNERALS.COM. For more information, please call 847-571-7719.
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