Agnes Downs' Obituary
Agnes Downs, 97, of Oshkosh passed away peacefully on April 10, 2025, at Parkview Health Center in Oshkosh, Wisconsin. She was born in Oshkosh on June 1, 1927, to the late Walter and Bernice (Ziemlewicz) Sawicki, the youngest of 14 children. She married her sweetheart, Richard (Dick) Downs, on December 28, 1946, at St. Josaphat Catholic Church in Oshkosh.
Agnes was born and raised in Oshkosh on a dairy farm. She graduated from Saint Josaphat Catholic School, Oshkosh High School, and the Oshkosh Business College. During her high school years, she was crowned Miss Dairy Queen. As Miss Dairy Queen, Agnes was given the responsibility to sell war bonds at her high school. Agnes was very honored to contribute to her country in this way and took very seriously the responsibility to track the sales and account for the money. Agnes always loved numbers.
While attending business college, Agnes worked at the local hardware store, Kitz and Pfeil, as a bookkeeper. Later, as a busy mother of eight children, she was active in the St. Josaphat Rosary Society, American Red Cross and local politics including volunteering at the city’s polling places. As busy as she was, she still maintained a baby book for each of her children with an active list of activities, illnesses, and graduations.
In the 1970’s, Agnes obtained her real estate license and worked for several local real estate companies. Agnes was well-known for helping young families purchase their first home. In retirement, she accompanied her husband as he fulfilled his dream of moving to Arizona where they enjoyed the sunshine and warm weather. Before returning to Oshkosh, she and Richard also lived in Texas to be near one of their daughters. Agnes leaves behind a rich legacy for her children, always reminding them to put faith and family first in their lives.
Agnes’s family would like to gratefully acknowledge the wonderful care given to her by the staffs at both Lakeshore Manor and Parkview Health Center.
Agnes is survived by 7 children: Judy K Brewer of Oshkosh, WI; Alexis A. (Paul Walters) Downs of Edmond, OK; Mary B. (Robert) Lattimer of Stow, OH; Richard J. (Susan) Downs of Wichita, KS; Steven M. (Mary C.) Downs of Whitewater, WI; Margaret J. (Robert) Woodrum of Katy, TX; and Timothy C. (Deeann) Downs of Terre Haute, IN; 13 grandchildren: Kevin (Theresa) Brewer, Rebecca (Erik) Johnson, Page Walters, Scott Lattimer, Paul (Micaela) Lattimer, Melanie (Warnie) Butler, Rachel (Michael) Doubrava, Sam Downs, Jack Downs, Kate (Callen) Anderson, Mike (Mary Shannon) Woodrum, Aleksander (Nicole) Downs, and Benjamin Downs; and 12 great-grandchildren: Kate and Daniel Johnson, Keele and Tia Brewer, Millicent and Asa Lattimer, Avri Hawkins and Noah Butler, Adeline Anderson, Bridget and Richard Woodrum, and Peter Downs . She will be greatly missed by all who loved her and were privileged to call her their mother, grandmother and great grandmother. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 68 years, Richard; young son, Michael Walter Downs (twin brother of Margaret); son-in-law, Larry Brewer; and great-granddaughter Isabelle Grace Woodrum.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Tuesday, April 15, 11 AM, at St. Raphael the Archangel Catholic Church, with Father Tom Long officiating. The eulogy will be delivered by her son, Timothy C. Downs. Family and friends may call at the church beginning at 9:30 AM Tuesday until the Mass begins. A luncheon at the Church and burial at Calvary Cemetery will follow the Mass. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Raphael the Archangel Catholic Church, or Father Carr’s Place to Be.
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