Judy McKowen

Judy Ann McKowen, age 84, long term resident of Washington, Iowa, passed away Wednesday, October 4, 2023, in Oelwein, Iowa. Services to celebrate Judy’s life will be held 4:30 p.m. Sunday, October 8, 2023, at the Jones & Eden Funeral Home with Fr. Bernie Weir officiating. The family will be present to receive friends from 3:00 p.m. until 4:30 p.m. Sunday at the funeral home. Graveside services will be held 10:00 a.m. Monday at the Elm Grove Cemetery in Washington. If you would like to make a donation to Camp Fire Heart of Iowa in memory of Judy, please go to campfireiowa.kindful.com. Online condolences may be sent for Judy’s family at www.jonesfh.com Judy was born January 5, 1939, in Massillon, Ohio, the daughter of Walter and Olga (Beickman) Weiskittel. She graduated from Goshen High School in Goshen, Indiana. Judy was united in marriage to Robert R. McKowen on September 13, 1958, in Goshen, Indiana. Judy was an active member of the Washington Main Street and was awarded Volunteer of the year in 2011. She was the Manager of the local Goodwill for many years. Judy loved collecting, buying, and selling antiques with her husband Bob. They owned an antique store in Kalona, IA and bought and sold throughout the Midwest. As an avid volunteer, Judy was the Camp Fire Washington chapter leader and directed the annual summer camp at Lake Darling. Most notably, Judy was known for her love of Christmas and volunteering at “Santa’s House”. She enjoyed all the downtown activities including the annual lighted parade and the decorations for the holiday season. Judy was a member of St. James Catholic Church in Washington. She is survived by her son, Marty McKowen and wife Marti of Fairbank, Iowa; son Joe McKowen and wife Gina of Gaffney, South Carolina; daughter, Monica Blackburn and husband Kevin of Austin, Texas; and daughter Jill Ragsdale and husband Klint of Sacramento, California. Judy has 9 grandchildren and 15 great grandchildren. She is survived by her sister Jean Bailey of La Mesa, California. Judy was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Robert; and brother Jim Weiskittel.

Judy McKowen

January 5, 1939 - October 4, 2023