Gary “Mac” Alden McDowell
June 5, 1950 ~ April 12, 2026
Gary “Mac” A. McDowell, 75, Sioux Falls, SD, went home to be with his Lord and Savior on April 12, 2026. A man of deep conviction, quick wit, inappropriate jokes, and a heart for service, Mac leaves behind a legacy of faith, a cohort of friends, and a trail of laughter.
A celebration of Mac’s life and faith will be held on April 24, 2026, at 1:00 PM at Pipestone Seventh-Day Adventist Church, 831 8th St SW, Pipestone ,MN. Friends and family are invited to share stories and remember a man who lived life on 2 wheels, loved the Lord fiercely, and helped so many others find their way. The requests either plants or monetary gifts be sent directly to the Pipestone Seventh-Day Adventist Church in honor of Mac’s memory.
Gary Alden McDowell was born on June 5, 1950, in South Dakota, to Elmer and Dorothy (Edgecomb) McDowell. Mac was a man who lived life as he rode a bike; at full throttle. He graduated in the spring of 1968 in Hills, MN and attended college at Granite Falls Technical School (Minnesota West). It was in high school where Mac would meet his soon to be wife of 56 years. Above all else, Mac loved Jesus. His faith wasn’t just a part of his life; it was his mission. He felt a profound calling to help save souls, walking alongside others with a compassion that only someone who had traveled a similar path could offer. This was most evident in his 48 years of sobriety, during which he became a source of hope, changing countless lives by leading others toward healing and grace.
Whether he was riding his VTX (sometimes Goldwing if Pam is riding with) or keeping up with friends, Mac had a way of turning every conversation into a personal connection. Mac was a legendary fixer known for “gooping” anything and everything under the sun that needed a repair. Much like his ability to fix everything with goop, he was also able to mend broken people with his love, compassion and tolerance. He was also a man of simple, sometimes strange, tastes—most notably his firm belief that nearly any meal could be enhanced with a copious amount of ketchup, and a tall glass of cold milk.
Mac’s greatest earthly joy was his family, especially his role as a partner-in-crime to his grandson, Coheed; the two were frequently found getting into exactly the right kind of mischief together. The kind of relationship where the word “no” lacks existence in the dictionary.
Mac is survived by his devoted wife, Pamela McDowell; his unofficially adopted daughter, Jessie (Kevin) Pike; his beloved grandson and best friend, Coheed Pike; nephew, Wade (Stacy) McDowell; and nieces, Stacy Brallier, June (Doug) Green, and Lynda (Dan) McDowell-Stadelska.
Mac was preceded in death by his parents, Elmer and Dorothy; and his brother, Denny McDowell.
Mac was an absolute treasure. I am so grateful to have met him. Peace and love to his family and friends. <3
Just found out today. I had not seen Gary for some time. Sympathy to the family.
Gary blessed many at Sioux Falls First Baptist Church and his smiles and service created many opportunities to share. May your family find the strength, patience, and comfort promised by the God of all Comfort.
I met Mac when I first came in SS about 40 years ago and he helped me immensely. Smart and witty, he invited me to your place on multiple occasions for cook outs and fellowship. I haven’t seen him in a while but will never forget him. Thanks for sharing him Pam, he was a treasure. God bless and RIP
Pam and family, may God be your comfort at this time. Interactions with Mac were always a joy. What a beautiful legacy. Blessings to you at this time.
May you rest in the peace of Jesus Christ, cousin. I haven’t seen you for decades but can still remember your very distinctive laugh! My sympathies to Pam and the rest of your family.
I was very fortunate to have met Mac 25 plus years ago through my dad‘s business. Mac was the kind of guy that when he showed up most of us would drop what we were doing to go catch up with him and listen to his adventures and words of wisdom. I can hear his voice as I type this now you will be missed by all they have truly gotten to know you.
May you rest in peace, Unc. Many happy memories with skiing trips to Wall Lake, encouraging me to learn to ride motorcycles, letting me stay with you and Pam for summer breaks in college, car shopping help and many others.
Give Dad, Gramps, Grandma, Grandma Edgecomb, Wilda and everyone a big hug from me.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you Pam. Hugs to you and please reach out if I can help you. May God bring you peace and comfort.
Love,
June
Gary and I were buds in highschool. Parted ways and had not seen him since I was a city cop in Pipestone in ’71.
By the sounds of it, he had a full life.
I think of times our actions might have drawn attention.
Good times,great memories.
Wondering if Pam remembers the Sioux Empire Fair? Gary went upside down on a ride and all his money fell to the ground.
Never forget it.
Rest in peace!
Ron
Mac was an Angel that rescued and saved my sister, Linda Eller, 30+ years ago. Such a good and kind man. His laugh & smile was heart warming and so genuine! He echoed Gods love! Mac, you were and are a good man. Rest in peace, friend.