Mary "Kay" McDowell

Mary Kay McDowell, age 83 of Red Wing died October 30, 2024 in her home where she was able to say her goodbyes to her four sons, grandchildren, and friends. Kay was born April 21, 1941 in Blue Earth, MN to Paul and Lucille Kraft. She was raised in Blue Earth but graduated from Good Counsel Academy in Mankato, MN in 1959. Following graduation, Kay was trained as a radiological technician at the University of Minnesota and Olivia Hospital. She married Marlin "Mick" McDowell in Blue Earth on August 29, 1964. Kay went on to work at Creola’s, Struss Optical, and Computer Professionals where she retired in 2017 after 30 years. During her working years, she was also the Executive Secretary for Hedin Hartnagel Memorial fund for 25 years. Kay was a faithful member of St. Joseph Catholic Church where she served as a Trustee of the Board as well as a Mass Coordinator, Eucharistic Minister, and served funeral lunches. She volunteered for Red Wing’s Booster Club, the Hospital Auxiliary, Red Wing Golf Club Board, and the Red Wing Area Fund Board.

Kay was one of the friendliest and most social people you could have met. She loved people and visiting. You would often find her laughing and making others laugh. She had a positive outlook and upbeat view of life. She enjoyed spending time with her family and extended family. She would cherish a visit from her grandkids who would stop by or come to Red Wing for a holiday. One of Kay’s favorite things to do would be escape the cold Minnesota winters by going to Florida to vacation with her sisters. Kay enjoyed her friends immensely and they were an important part of her adult life. Kay was part of a prayer group for 40 years and a card club for 40 years. Kay was also part of a golf league that she played when the MN weather was perfect. Kay’s hobbies included reading, jigsaw puzzles, Netflix, games on her ipad with friends, and the MN Vikings- “Go Vikes!”

Kay is preceded in death by her parents Paul and Lucille Kraft, her sister, Bev Scheuren, and her husband, Mick McDowell. She is survived by her sister, Jean Anderson of Fairmont, MN, her four sons Brad (Jen) of Madison, WI, Jeff (Sarah Reichert) of Red Wing, MN, Todd (Brenna) of Champlin MN, and Steve of Red Wing, MN; six grandchildren LeEtta, Molly, Edward, Beck, Leala, Sullivan, and Michael.

Donations or Memorials can be sent to: Hedin Hartnagel Memorial Fund or the Church of St. Joseph.

Mass of the resurrection will be 11 a.m. Saturday, November 16, 2024 at the Church of St. Joseph. Visitation will be from 4-6 p.m. Friday, November 15, 2024 at Mahn Family Funeral Home, Bodelson-Mahn Chapel and for one hour prior to the service at the church. Burial will take place at Calvary Cemetery. Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.mahnfamilyfuneralhome.com