Gloria Jean (Gardner) Dowell, age 79, passed away peacefully, surrounded by her family, Wednesday, November 5, 2025.

Gloria was born to Harvey and Rose (Isham) Gardner on St. Patrick's Day in Spooner, Wisconsin. She grew up helping her family run Blueberry Lake Resort and attended Hayward Community School. After marrying John Dowell in 1971 and moving to Onalaska, Wisconsin, they welcomed two daughters, Darcey and Andrea. Gloria worked as a hairdresser most of her life, and later at Walmart in Onalaska until her retirement, when she moved back to the place she loved, Blueberry Lake.

She was a proud member of the Lac Courte Oreilles Indian Tribe and cherished her Ojibwa heritage. Gloria loved the Northwoods life, spending her days riding UTV trails, cruising on the pontoon, and sitting outside waving to passersby. She was a fierce Wisconsin sports fan, dedicated to the Packers and the Brewers. During the winter months, she enjoyed traveling to the southwest in an RV, Jeep, or UTV with her companion, Dale Allen. Above all, family and friends meant everything to Gloria, a sentiment she strongly instilled in her children and grandchildren.

Gloria is survived by her daughters, Darcey Smith and Andrea Colbert; her brother, Richard “Dick”(Leann Hulett) Gardner; her sisters, Karen (Mike) Phelan and Cheryl Jasek; her grandchildren, Kainen Hall, Zane Moldenhauer, Zeva Smith, Dawson, Xavier, Mya, Elan, Tyler, Chelsey, and Payton (Jennifer) Colbert; and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, John; her brother, Harvey Jr.; her sisters, Barbara Olsen, Helen Strand, and Marjorie Kubera; her special companion, Dale Allen; and several beloved best friends, Duckie, Micky, and Bo.

A special thanks goes out to her close friend, neighbor, and caregiver, Vicki Wright. We appreciate everything she did to help our family.

Last Update: Nov 07, 2025 2:23 pm CST