Elaine M. (Molitor) Dowden

The Lord called Elaine Dowden, 91, home on Wednesday, September, 6, 2023 after a 3 year battle with colon cancer.

A funeral service for Elaine will take place at 11:00 AM on Monday, September 11, 2023 at Holy Rosary Catholic Church with Father Patrick McConnell officiating. Burial will follow at Holy Rosary Catholic Cemetery. Visitation will take place at Holy Rosary Catholic Church on Monday, September 11, 2023 from 9:00 AM until the time of service at 11:00 AM.

Elaine was born to Anton and Kunda (Schupp) Molitor on June 13, 1932 in the town of Little Black. She attended Medford Area High School. On August 7, 1954 she married the love of her life Joseph O. Dowden in Medford. They shared a total of 48 years together, before Joe’s death in 2002.

They raised eight children and a niece on a modest mechanic’s wage. Her passions were her church, Holy Rosary Catholic Church and her ability to do so many crafts. She was an amazing seamstress and could sew anything. Her other many talents can be seen in the house, she always seemed to excel at any craft project.

Her quick wit and snarky attitude always kept her going.

Her eight children are Linda (Rusty) Dake of Stetsonville, Cheryl (David) Brandner of Medford, Joseph (Donna) Dowden of Stetsonville, Diane (Ricci) Prein of Edina, MN, David (Lori) Dowden of Medford, Gail (Kevin) Baumgartner of Westboro, Mary deceased in 1988 and Richard (Tracy) Dowden of Medford; niece, Lori Erdman of Rib Lake; 14 grandchildren, Holly (Drew) Martin, Chad (Robin) Brandner, Amy (Erich Kliewer) Meyer, Mitchell (Mary) Brandner, Melissa (Adam) Pesola, Angela (Travis) Blume, Daniel (Cassandra) Meyer, Adam (Ashley) Dake, Rachel (Ryan) Kiefer, Travis (Ellie) Dowden, Molly Dowden, Micah (Brooke) Baumgartner, Alec (Briana) Baumgartner, and Easton Dowden; 24 great-grandchildren, Avery and Bodhi Martin, Kylie, Kaden and Kiana Brandner, Marlo and Norah Kliewer, Bridget Brandner, Nolan, Keenan, and Cameron Pesola, Chandler Brandner, Braxton, Delaina, and Cadence Meyer, Rylan and Phoenix Dake, Scarlett, Cameron, and a baby due in December Dowden, Blair, Bria, and Brylee Baumgartner, and Paisley and Greyson Baumgartner; great-great-grandchild, Lorelei Heier.

Elaine was preceded in death by her parents, husband, 4 brothers and 1 sister.

In lieu of flowers or gifts, memorial donations may be given to Hope Hospice in Elaine’s name.

Hemer-Pickerign Funeral & Cremation Services of Medford and Rib Lake is serving the family. Please visit www.hemerfuneralservice.com to share condolences online.

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