MCCOWEN, Vincent Richard 1929-2014
MCCOWEN, IBLINGS, DAVIS, PRESTIDGE, SPONSELLER
Posted By: S. Bell
Date: 1/22/2015 at 00:19:49
[Waterloo-Cedar Falls Courier, Tuesday, July 15, 2014]
Vince McCowen, 84, died Thursday, June 19, 2014, at his home on Chase Lake, Deer River, Minn. Born Vincent Richard McCowen on Sept. 28, 1929, in Beloit, Wis., he was the second son of Harry and Anne (Iblings) McCowen. He attended school in Waterloo and Deer River, graduating from Waterloo West High School in 1948. In 1951 Vince was united in marriage to Jean Davis. Together they bore and raised three daughters.
Vince received his BA in music education from Iowa State Teacher’s College (ISTC), Cedar Falls, and his MA in music education from the University of Northern Iowa (UNI) (formerly ISTC). During his college years, Vince was actively involved in the jazz band and choral groups. In 1955 he secured a teaching position with the Waterloo Community School District, teaching vocal music for 38 years. Vince taught for two years at McKinstry Junior High then transferred to West High School, where he remained for the duration of his teaching career, retiring in May of 1989. During his tenure at West High, Vince was known for his spectacular Christmas programs and annual spring variety shows. He also was known throughout northern Iowa for his solo performances at various concerts and community functions. Vince directed the chancel and youth choirs at Westminster Presbyterian Church for 34 years, as well as the John Deere Men’s Choir, The Melodeeres, for 12 years.
An honor Vince received during his life was to sing at the first inauguration for Iowa Governor Robert D. Ray. He also was recognized as an honorary member of the Iowa Choral Directors Association for his participation in the UNI Jazz Band, at the band’s 60th anniversary celebration. Vince served two terms as president of the Waterloo-Cedar Falls Community Concert Association, directed the All City Elementary Honors Choir three times, and played trombone in the Waterloo-Cedar Falls Symphony Band. He also was a lifetime member of the NEA (National Education Association).
Besides his love of music, Vince was an avid sportsman. He grew up hunting and fishing at his father’s resort, Ball Club Lake Lodge on Ball Club Lake in northern Minnesota. There he worked as a fishing tour guide. Vince enjoyed watching all sports, especially the Minnesota Vikings, Twins and the Iowa Hawkeyes. In the last few years Vince achieved his dream of attending a home Vikings and Twins game.
In retirement Vince and Jean moved to their home on Chase Lake. Vince was a member of St. Andrew’s Lutheran Church, Grand Rapids, Minn. There he organized a men’s octet choral group know as The Mariners. This group performed throughout the community for many years.
Vince is survived by his wife of 63 years, Jean; daughters Kim (Kris) Prestidge and Lissa McCowen, both of Deer River, and Meg (Lou) Sponseller of Marshalltown; grandsons Ilo Prestidge of Grand Rapids and Onni Prestidge (significant other Karina Montes) of Cedar Falls; nephew Mike (Dawn) McCowen of Blaine, Minn.; niece Pat McCowen (Al) Knight of Pekin, Ill.; several great-nieces and nephews; and his beloved English Springer Spaniel, Robbie.
His parents, brother Robert McCowen and son-in-law Lou Sponseller, preceded Vince in death.
A private family memorial service will be held at his lake home in August. Memorials may be directed to the “Music Fund” at St. Andrew’s Lutheran Church, 501 16th St. NW, Grand Rapids, MN 55744.
Arrangements by Carroll Funeral Home, Deer River.
Black Hawk Obituaries maintained by Karen De Groote.
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