Van Dowd

Van Dowd of Farmington, formerly of Red Wing, Minnesota, died peacefully at home on November 20th at the age of 87. He was born on January 11, 1937, in Barron, Wisconsin, to Sophia and Lewis Dowd. He grew up in Barron, and was active in many sports: football, basketball, baseball, track, and golf. He was valedictorian of his high school class and went on to work a number of jobs in the Barron area, then landing at the Erickson’s grocery store in New Richmond, Wisconsin. He went on to a full career with them, next moving to store manager in Red Wing, Minnesota, and finally as district supervisor for a number of their stores, then called EconoFoods.

Van married the love of his life, Shelby McIntyre, on December 22, 1956. This December, they would have celebrated 68 years of marriage. Together, they raised five children in Red Wing, and attended many school and sports events for their busy family. They were active members of Concordia Lutheran Church. They also both golfed regularly at the Red Wing Golf Course and Mississippi Links. Van’s love of sports continued throughout his life. He was an avid and accomplished golfer. 

Van was also a wonderful grandpa to 13 grandchildren. He and Shelby often entertained the eight who lived locally, and took many trips to spend time with the five that lived out of state. They played a lot of card and board games, and he never let the kids win. He also taught them all a bit of golf, or at least how to have fun on the course. 

Van is survived by his wife, Shelby; children Candi (Sam) Knopp, Cheri (Dave) Thomforde, Craig (Janel) Dowd, Christi McClain, Carrie (John) Northway; grandchildren Carly, Dane, Kayla, Megan, Ethan, Addison, Zachary, Hannah, Haley, Will, Vanessa, Adam, and Cameron, along with their significant others; 14 great-grandchildren; and three sisters Darlene Brown, Gwen Godinez, and Janet (Jack) Hegna. He was preceded in death by his parents, a brother, and an infant son. 

A celebration of Van’s life will be 11 a.m. Saturday, December 7, 2024, with a visitation one hour prior at Mahn Family Funeral Home, Bodelson-Mahn Chapel; 602 Plum St, Red Wing, Minnesota.