Layne & Dianne Our heartfelt condolences to you for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

Mike & Leah Greif
March 5, 2019

I am so sorry for your loss. I shared some laughs with Thad from Jr high through high school and will always remember him as a sincere and thoughtful guy.

Kristina Elder (Williams)
March 5, 2019

Layne, Dianne, & Family, So sorry to hear about Thad and we know no words are sufficient to express our sympathy. May God hold you in the palm of his hand, as our prayers go out for all of you. Gene and Rhonda Tang

Gene Tang
March 5, 2019

Layne, Karen and I will keep you and your family in our prayers during this difficult time.

Mark and KAREN Reinertson
March 6, 2019

Layne, Diane, and Family--Having had contact with your family at Jefferson, Anne and I were saddened when reading about the passing of Thad. Your whole family was so important to the Jefferson community. I remember so many experiences with some of you as students and your whole family in general. Our thoughts are prayers are with your family. Anne and Jack Pilling

Anne and Jack Pilling
March 6, 2019

LANE&DIANE;SO SORRY FOR YOUR LOSS. I CAN ONLY IMAGINE THE PAIN OF LOSING A CHILD. YOU&THAD WILL BE IN MY PRAYERS.

mike courtney
March 6, 2019

The most heart felt feelings are coming your way. I love you guys and I am so sorry for the loss of Thad. I am not religious, but may God bless you and yours.

Mary Baker-Lauderdale & Kelly & Corey Baker
March 6, 2019

We cannot imagine the pain and heart ache you are suffering at this time. Know we care, we share our love and are here for you in any way we can help. There really aren't words at this time, but we'll listen any time you need. Love, and may God wrap you close in his arms. Joel and Ann Kessler

Joel and Ann Kessler
March 6, 2019

Dear Layne, Diane, Zach, Dena & the entire family- Words cannot adequately express our condolences for this unimaginable loss. Hold tight to one another as you make your way through these dark times. You are all loved and admired so deeply. So many share your sorrow. In deepest sympathy- Steven Johnson & David Olson

Steven Johnson
March 6, 2019

Dear Dianne and Layne, We were shocked to read about Thad. We are so very sorry for your loss. We are praying for God to give you comfort and strength for this difficult time. Lovingly, Sharyl and Ken

Sharyl and Ken Achilles
March 6, 2019

Dear Layne, Dianne, Zach and the McDowell Family, It was an honor to coach Thad at Roosevelt Middle School. Of all of the students I had the privilege of coaching over a 34 year career Thad was among the top 1% in all categories and especially in attitude, effort and coachability. He always put his team and his teammates ahead of himself and he was a Champion. I will never forget how proud he was to wear Layne's CFL All Star jersey to PE class and how surprised he was at my recognition. Please accept my empathy, prayers and Love during this time of sorrow. Please call if I can ever be of help in any way. Eric Oliver

Eric Oliver
March 6, 2019

Dear McDowell Family, My heart sank when I heard of Thad’s passing. Although Thad and I met while working together at a company in Broomfield, CO and I knew he was an Iowa State grad, it wasn’t until his passing that I figured out we are both from Cedar Rapids, IA. I am so sorry for the devastating loss and have your family in my heart during this time. Cara St. John

Cara St John
March 7, 2019

Layne,Dianne & Family, Colby, Andy and I are saddened by Thads death. The boys enjoyed fun times out at Sunset Dr. I remember him as this tall gangly curly haired kid. Hold on to the memories, but keep looking forward. Russ, Colby and Andy Thompson

russ thompson
March 7, 2019

Layne, Dianne and Family - We are very saddened to learn of Thad's death. John has so many great memories from school and they will live forever. Hold on the memories that you have of him as well, and think of them in the darkest of times. We are praying for you all to find comfort during this very difficult time. You are all in our thoughts and prayers. Love to you all - John and Kelly Fulton

John and Kelly Fulton
March 7, 2019

We were shocked to read of Thad's death. No words can remove the pain and hurt you must be experiencing. We have fond memories of spending time with you and the boys -- we will hold on to those. Treasure all the memories you have. Please know that you are in our prayers.

Jim & Linda Herzberger
March 7, 2019

Our thoughts and prayers to the McDowell family Bill and Judy McNiel

william mcniel
March 7, 2019

it was with shock that I read of your son Thad's passing. We extend our deepest sympathy to the McDowell family. Our thoughts are with you all at this difficult time. Dave and Shelley Brooks

David L. Brooks
March 8, 2019

There are no words I can express that show how much your family means to my family and I. We love you all very much. Randy

Randy Dostal
March 8, 2019

We are so sorry to hear the loss of your son. Our thoughts are with you both.

Rick and Nadine Johnson
March 9, 2019

Layne and Dianne - Just heard about Thad's passing and my heart breaks for you and all the family. My thoughts and prayers are with you! Jim Miller

Jim Miller
March 9, 2019

Layne, Dianne, and family Thad was in several of my drafting classes at Jefferson. He was one of the best student/ athletes I ever worked with. He came to class every day eager to learn and always had a positive attitude. He was a model student and first class gentleman. I was so saddened when I read about his death in the Gazette. I can't imagine losing my son at such an early age. Due to some recent health issues of my own I couldn't attend his Memorial Service. My thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family. You have my deepest sympathy. Jim O'Brien - Teacher/Coach Jefferson High School

Jim O'Brien
March 9, 2019

We are so sorry to hear the loss of your son. Our thoughts are with you both.

Rick and Nadine Johnson
March 9, 2019

I am very sorry for your loss but loving husband should not be in there. God love your family for what you all have to endure for what has transpired. You did not cause his actions. But Kate is a victim of her husband who did not have a choice and neither did her family. Very senseless. He needed to reach out for help. Prayers for everyone affected.

Wendy olson
March 12, 2019

He WAS a psycho! Glad he’s gone but sorry for Kate. Love of my life. 💜

Jeff jefferson
February 15, 2024

"He was preceded in death by his wife Kate" yeah, cause he killed her. RIP Kate

Me :)
November 8, 2024

This obituary is a joke.He was a murderer. He’ll be remembered for that.

BK
August 24, 2025