Mac McDowell was born in Waupun on December 7, 1943, to Edward and Esther (Frey) McDowell. He passed away on Tuesday August 13, 2024, in Eau Claire with his family by his side.

Mac spent his early days on the family farm on County Road AW near Waupun. He graduated from Waupun High School and was a veteran of the Viet Nam War. Mac loved Stock Car Racing at the Columbus and Beaver Dam Race Track and Tractor Pulls, where he won several trophies. He was also a very successful wrestler in high school.

In 1976 Mac married Patti (Biller) McDowell in Hayward. They were married 48 years. Together they ran the Moccasin Bar, and in 1983 Mac was instrumental in the launch of Jane’s Best BBQ Sauce. Mac and Patti established several other businesses including McDowell’s Restaurant in Bruce In MCL Cleaning and Moving and PattiMac’s Auction and Auction House in Rice Lake. He was an auctioneer for fifty years and performed 950 Charitable Auctions, whether for an organization or a family in need, Mac would always lend a hand. He had a heart of gold and over the years willingly helped out many people. Mac was a lifetime member of Duck’s Unlimited. He was an avid Wisconsin sports fan and armchair quarterback. Family and friends knew him to give lots of advice on how the game should be coached.

Lynn is survived by his wife Patti, son Matthew McDowell (Tracy); grandsons Brant McDowell (Taylor) and Brady McDowell; great-grandsons Zane and Knox; sister Karen Bentz; stepchildren, Craig Cooper (Kathy), Richard Cooper (Denise), Janie Cooper Goettl (Jim); step grandchildren Jessie Phillips (Jim), Jeff Cooper, Jeanette Britton (Rawleigh), Eric Cooper, Craig CooperJr. (Heidi), Jeff Goettl (Jessica), Kristine Stariha (Ross); fourteen great-grandchildren and two great-great grandchildren; and many more relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, sisters Audrey Pettack and Donna Kraemer, brother-in-laws Lester Pettack, Bob Kraemer and Tony Bentz.

Celebration of Life will be held August 31st from 12-4 at the JS” Old Club 8” Hwy 8, Ladysmith with a Service at 12:30 to be followed by a luncheon and a time to remember Mac.

Memorials may be directed to the family.

Last Update: Aug 20, 2024 12:51 pm CDT