Michael R. McDowell

Madison - Michael Ray McDowell, age 76, of Madison, passed away peacefully in his sleep on Saturday, August 22, 2026, surrounded by his loving daughters.

He was born on January 12, 1950, in Boscobel, Wisconsin, to Raymond and Rose (Promenschenkel) McDowell. Michael was united in marriage to the love of his life, Rose Mary Davenport, on December 31, 1972.

Michael attended La Follette High School and worked as a janitor at the Walgreens warehouse in Windsor for many years. He loved a good breakfast, a hot cup of coffee, and sharing hunting stories. An avid outdoorsman, Michael especially enjoyed hunting whitetail deer and turkey. Before retirement, he also enjoyed spending time on his boat and ice fishing.

Michael was incredibly proud of his family, including his two daughters and four grandchildren. Nothing would have made him happier than being here to meet his great-grandson, who is due in February.

Michael is survived by his daughters, Tonya (Don) Pertzborn and Trisha McDowell; his grandchildren, Brittany (Ethan) Olson, Zachary McDowell, Garrett Pertzborn, and Dontel McDaniel; his sisters, Terri Thomas and Danna Groom; his brother, Dennis McDowell; his brother-in-law, John (Peg) Davenport; and his sister-in-law, Jean (Ray) Maijala.

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Rose; his parents, Raymond and Rose McDowell; his brother, Patrick McDowell; his sisters, Katherine and Sandra Kay; his brothers-in-law, Douglas, Kenneth, David, and Grant; and his sisters-in-law, Beverly, Gerry, and Donna.

Funeral services will be held at Cress Funeral & Cremation Services, 1310 Emerald Terrace, Sun Prairie, at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, August 27, 2026, with Pastor Jeff Franklin officiating. Visitation will be held from 9:30 a.m. until the time of the service. A reception will follow, and burial will take place at 2:00 p.m. at Highland Memory Garden.

The family wishes to extend their heartfelt thanks to the staff of Agrace Hospice, especially Mo and Andrea, for the compassionate care they provided during Dad's final days.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Agrace Hospice.

For those not able to attend in person, please register at the following link to view a copy of Michael’s service:https://event.forgetmenotceremonies.com/ceremony?c=9d870e95-4cca-49d3-9dfe-99695dd06239

Please share your memories at www.cressfuneralservice.com

Cress Funeral & Cremation Service

1310 Emerald Terrace Sun Prairie

(608) 837-9054