Wayne Stowell (formerly of Spirit Lake, Iowa) passed away on January 8, 2022, in St. Petersburg, Florida. He was 69 years old.
Wayne graduated from Spirit Lake High School in 1970 where he participated in many clubs and organizations. Wayne was a talented athlete. He attended Dakota State University in Madison, South Dakota on a football scholarship and was inducted into their athletic hall of fame. In 1974, he graduated with a biology/chemistry major.
After college, Wayne moved to St. Petersburg, Florida, where he had a successful career in sales. Though his work kept him busy, Wayne found time to be a volunteer coach in both youth and high school football. It was a passion of his to always give back to the kids. Even in retirement, Wayne continued to reach out to young football players. He once gave a motivational speech to the Rutgers University football team before their game against Iowa. Always an Iowa Football fan, he did this for his son who is a member of the Rutgers Athletes in Action staff.
Wayne was an avid water skier and golfer. He often returned to Spirit Lake with his boat and clubs. Despite all the water and golf courses in Florida at his disposal, Okoboji had his heart.
Wayne was a devoted father who loved his children and adored his grandchildren. He is survived by his daughter Jennifer Stowell, his son Tyler (Allison) Stowell and two granddaughters, Peighton and Brylee. He is also survived by his sister Sandy (Steve)Traeger, brothers Mike Stowell and Randy (Jeanne) Stowell, his aunt Loretta Shannon, uncle Gene Overmire, and many cousins, nieces, and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Jack and Norma Stowell, who were longtime residents of Spirit Lake, Iowa.
A Celebration of Life will be held this summer June 19, 2022, from 1:00 to 4:30pm, at the Gull Point Lodge, Gull Point State Park 1500 Harpin Street, Milford, Iowa 51351.
Friends of Wayne can send condolences to the family at: 213 Lawrence Street, South Bound Brook, New Jersey 08880.