MCGOWAN, William J. 1869 - 1945

MCGOWAN, COBB

Posted By: Pat Ludeke (email)
Date: 9/2/2015 at 23:16:38

W. J. MCGOWAN DIES IN HOSPITAL
FUNERAL SERVICES TO BE MONDAY, 2 P.M.

CLEAR LAKE – Funeral services for William J. McGowan, 76, who died at a Mason City hospital Friday afternoon following an illness of 2 weeks, will be held in the First Congregational church Monday at 2 o’clock. Doctor W. Edward W. Day, pastor, will conduct the rites and burial will be in Clear Lake cemetery. William’s funeral home is in charge. Business places will be closed during the services.

Mr. McGowan was born on a farm north of Clear Lake Aug. 22, 1869, son of Mr. and Mrs. William McGowan, pioneer residents of the county. He grew to manhood in the vicinity and Oct. 8, 1900, was married to Miss Ethel Cobb, also of Clear Lake.

That same year he entered into partnership with his father in the hardware business in the store at 200 W. Main street in which he continued until his death. In 1912 George Sheridan became a partner and this firm continued until Feb. 1 1940, when Mr. Sheridan sold out and Keith McGowan, a son, became partner.

At the time of his death Mr. McGowan was a member of the Clear Lake Chamber of Commerce, Lions Club, and Chivalric lodge, No. 82, Knights of Pythias. He had served the city as councilman for several years and the school district as a member of the board.

Mr. McGowan was preceded in death by his parents, a brother, Frank, who died in Oklahoma several years ago, and a son, Neil, who died in infancy. He is survived by his wife, 3 sons, Jay E. McGowan, Chicago; Dale W. McGowan, Burlington, and Keith E. McGowan, 506 E. Main street, 3 grandchildren and 3 brothers, Charles and Clarence McGowan, Clear Lake, and Harry McGowan, Ionia.

Transcriber’s Note – William J. McGowan was born August 22, 1869 and died December 1945.