----Souce: Wednesday, March 17, 2004 edition of the Tribune - Record - Gleaner

Gerald DOwney.

Gerald C. Downey, 81, Owen, died March 11, 2004, at Clark County Health Care Center, Owen. Private funeral services were held at 2 p.m. Tuesday, March 16, at Maurina Funeral Home, Owen. The Rev. Eric Linzmaier officiated. Burial will be in St. Joseph's Catholic Cemetery, Preston, Iowa, at a later date.

Gerald C. Downey was born June 15, 1922, in Spraugville, Iowa, to Arthur and Nina (nee Stromeyer) Downey. He married Verneda Michels on Feb. 4, 1941, in Springbrook, Iowa. His passion was farming, which he did most of his life. He also worked for John Deere and Land O'Lakes. He moved to Wisconsin 1961, and lived in Owen for the last 20 years.

Survivors include his wife, Verneda Downey, Owen; his children, Mary Ann (Dale) Meyer, Neillsville, Roger (Mitch) Downey, Tucson, Ariz., William (Karen) Downey, Stratford, Clifford (Audrey) Downey, Colby, Larry Downey, Ogema, and Sally (Gary) Smith, Owen; two sisters, Delores Chenoweth, Tucson, Ariz., and Arlene (Betty) Kostner, Shullsburg; six grandchildren; and 10 great-grandchildren.

Preceding him in death were his parents; his grandson, Jeff Darge, Jr.; and, a set of twin brothers.

Maurina Funeral Services, Owen, assisted the family with arrangements.