OBITUARY FROM DIGNITY MEMORIAL WEBSITE, OCTOBER 24, 2014:

John Michael McDowell, October 18th, 1942-October 21st 2014. It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of John Michael McDowell, 72, of Highland, IN. John lost his fight with cancer and entered eternal life on October 21st, 2014.

He was born October 18th, 1942 in Gary, Indiana to parents Arthur W. and Joan McDowell. In 1960 he was part of the Hobart Indiana Boys Cross Country State championship team. He then proudly served this country honorably in the United States Army. He went on to work at the US Steel Gary works for 37 years. John will be remembered by his friends and family as a loving father, avid traveler, and photographer. John also built a large magnificent outdoor garden koi pond which he maintained and continued to expand for the past 10 years of his life. He also enjoyed collecting clocks and playing Farmville on the computer.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his brother Brad McDowell and step son Alex Zaragoza. John is survived by his wife Juanita, his sons: Michael, Steven, and David (Melissa): his grandchildren: Christopher, Ethan, Austin, Mason, Delaine, Ella , Jessica and Luke; his brothers: Phillip and Bruce; his sister Kathy; step daughter Mary M. Zaragoza; and step son Joseph (Mary L.) Zaragoza. He is also survived by many nieces, nephews and friends.

Funeral services will be held on Monday October 27 at 9:30 AM with Rev. Andrew Bailey officiating at Kuiper Funeral Home, 9039 Kleinman Road, Highland (two blocks south of Ridge Road). Burial will follow at Calumet Park Cemetery in Merrillville. Friends may visit with the family on Sunday October 26 from 3 to 7 PM.

This information was obtained from: http://obits.dignitymemorial.com/dignity-memorial/obituary.aspx?n=John-McDowell&lc=1587&pid=172896738&mid=6166245.