Curt Owen McDowell, age 62, of Zeeland, Michigan, passed away peacefully at home on January 29, 2025. We all know it was far too soon.
A proud graduate of Wyoming Park High School and Michigan State University, Curt was a lifelong Spartan fan. Over the years, he served as an Assistant Principal, Teacher, Coach, and Mentor in the Wyoming and Hudsonville Public Schools, dedicating 30 years to his students and colleagues. He will be remembered for his unwavering dedication, genuine care, and deep commitment to students and staff. Teaching Credit Recovery in his final years brought Curt a deep sense of purpose and reward. He also loved coaching, and the time he spent with the athletes was one of the most meaningful parts of his life.
Curt found happiness while golfing, bowling (one of his last great joys), and solving crossword puzzles and games. He had a passion for smoking meat -- mastering brisket and pulled pork -- and was known for his delicious sourdough bread. Music was a constant presence in his life; he especially loved blues, folk and classic rock. In retirement, he officiated college and high school track meets, taught himself how to rebuild guitars, jammed with his brother-in-law, Tim, spent time with his grandchildren and became a self-proclaimed bourbon connoisseur.
His love for life extended to attending concerts, spending time outdoors fishing and hunting with David and Rudy. He loved attending sporting events, especially his entire family’s. Curt never gave up the opportunity to spend time with his Delta Chi fraternity brothers and 5-Lo East Holmes Hall friends. He brought joy into everyone’s life with his impersonations, entertaining stories, and singing his “O-Holy-Night” solo each year on Christmas Eve.
Curt passed down his love for natural science, cooking, music, stargazing, creativity, and curiosity to his children. He and his wife, Diane, cherished traveling together—visiting their children across the U.S., England, and China, as well as adventuring to Scotland, Ireland, Mexico, and Alaska. He also treasured camping trips, playing Euchre with dear friends, and family celebrations.
Even during his illness, Curt still found a way to make every day count, touching the hearts of those around him. He wanted us to carry forward his resilience, passion for life and love for others. He believed in the sentiment that life was not linear and would want us to keep our fins up, take life one cheeseburger in paradise at a time, and always sail on toward our next great adventure.
Curt will be lovingly remembered by his wife of 36 years, Diane; his children, Evan and Shay McDowell, Veronica and Luke Bryant, and Rachel and Jay Tran; and his grandchildren: Scarlett, Theodore, Ruby, baby #3 on the way, and Elliott. He is also survived by his parents, Robert and Rosalee McDowell; his brother, Clint McDowell; his sister, Colleen Schulte; and his many brothers-in-laws, sisters-in-laws, nieces, nephews, and abundant friends.
The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to Faith Hospice for the care they provided in Curt’s final days.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Thursday, February 6th at 11:00 a.m. at Holy Redeemer Parish, 2700 Baldwin St., Jenison, with Fr. Phong Pham presiding. Relatives and friends may visit with the family on Wednesday, February 5th from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. at Matthysse Kuiper DeGraaf Funeral Home, 4145 Chicago Dr. SW, Grandville. Visitation will also be held at the church on Thursday one hour prior to the service. Those who wish may make memorial contributions to the Kidney Cancer Association in Curt’s honor.
Visitation
Wednesday, February 5
2:00pm - 4:00pm
MKD - Grandville
4145 Chicago Dr. SW
Grandville, MI 49418
Get Directions
Phone: (616) 534-8656
Visitation
Wednesday, February 5
6:00pm - 8:00pm
MKD - Grandville
4145 Chicago Dr. SW
Grandville, MI 49418
Get Directions
Phone: (616) 534-8656
Visitation
Thursday, February 6
10:00am - 11:00am
Holy Redeemer Catholic Parish
2700 Baldwin St.
Jenison, MI 49428
Get Directions
Mass of Christian Burial
Thursday, February 6
11:00am
Holy Redeemer Catholic Parish
2700 Baldwin St.
Jenison, MI 49428
Get Directions
- Doug Takens
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- Terry and Terri Krol
- Dan Pucci
- Carrie McDowell