William "Bill" McDowell, 54, died Wednesday, September 22, 2010 at Avera McKennan Hospital in Sioux Falls. Bill was born June 2, 1956 at Brookings, SD to Harold and Aleen (Bird) McDowell. He grew up in Elkton and attended St. Mary's Catholic School until 6th grade and graduated from Elkton High School in 1975. He entered the US Army on July 20, 1974. Bill was married to Lori Bessler on November 6, 1976 and two daughters were born to this union. He farmed with Bessler farms before working for Larson's for 30 years. Bill served on the Elkton City Council and was a Destination Imagination coach and judge at state and regional levels. He loved fishing, hunting, playing cards, spending time with family and friends, especially his nieces and nephews and traveling around for his granddaughter, Casey. Bill will be remembered for his sense of humor and an infectious belly shaking laugh.

Bill is survived by two daughters, Brandi McDowell, Elkton and Emily (fiancé, John Kabeiseman), Yankton; one granddaughter, Casey; 9 brothers and sisters, Mike McDowell and Sam McDowell, both of Valley, NE, June (Dennis) Daberkow, Lakefield, MN, Carol (Russ) Wiese, Adrian, MI, Dyann McDowell, Brookings, Janelle (Mike) Fornecker, Kings Mountain, NC, Nyla (Doug) Gregerson, Pine City, MN, Terri Wiskur, Elkton, Faye (Ron) Aaker, Sioux Falls and many nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents and brother-in-law, Roger Wiskur.

Mass of Christian Burial will be Monday at 10:30 AM at Our Lady of Good Counsel Catholic Church, Elkton with burial at St. Mary's Cemetery. Visitation will begin at 4:00 PM Sunday with a 7:00 PM scripture service at Skroch Funeral Chapel, Elkton