Laurie McDowell

Laurie Kay McDowell, age 66, of the Town of Saratoga, passed away Monday, May 6, 2024 at her residence.

Laurie was born on October 1, 1957 in Wisconsin Rapids to Vernon and Nellie (Meade) Roberts. She married Keith McDowell on March 6, 1976 in Nekoosa.

Laurie was not only dedicated to her family but also to her community. Her career as a school bus driver was more than a job; it was a way for her to ensure that every child in her care started and ended their school day with a friendly and familiar face. The children she drove to and from school became a part of her extended family, and she was a part of theirs.

Her dedication to her work was matched only by her love for her hobbies. She loved spending time with her grandchildren, baking sweet treats for family and friends, and building puzzles online.

She had a unique love for traveling – south to Texas during spring break and north to Canada to fish for the big ones. Her love for nature also extended to her garden, where she spent countless hours tending to her plants and canning the fruits of her labor.

Laurie is survived by her loving husband, Keith; daughter, Jessica McDowell; son, Joshua McDowell; grandson, Nicholas McDowell (Kassie Schenck); great-grandchildren: Nehemiah Malcolm, Maxwell McDowell, and Mason McDowell; her mother, Vernell Roberts; sisters: Linda Arendt and Penni (Joseph) Maday; and many nieces, nephews, aunts, cousins, and friends from school. She is preceded in death by her father, Vernon Roberts.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, May 18, 2024 at the Joseph White American Legion Hall, 10929 State Hwy 13, Wisconsin Rapids, from 3:00-6:00 P.M., with a dinner at 4:00 P.M.

Herman-Taylor Funeral Home is honored to be assisting the family.

Special thanks to the RN’s, CNA’s and social workers from Aspirus Comfort Care and Hospice for the exceptional care they provided.