Marian Joy McGowan, 99, of Owatonna, died on Tuesday, May 12, 2026, at Benedictine Living Community.

She was born November 10, 1926, in Faribault, Minnesota, the daughter of Carl and Stella (Radel) Wang. Marian was one of five children. She grew up working on the family farm east of Medford and went to country school. One of her first jobs was at Faribault Woolen Mills. After moving to Owatonna, she worked for Jostens. She met Adwell (Jerry) McGowan during lunch break as he stood outside the Journal Chronicle (his workplace) and a romance began. They were united in marriage on Saturday, November 15, 1952 at Moland Lutheran Church. They were members of Our Savior’s Lutheran Church throughout their married life.

Marian and Jerry raised 3 children together. As the family grew, she was a stay-at-home mom, meanwhile sewing for the public and Elwood Star Cleaners for some extra income. When the kids finished high school, she went back to work at Jostens. After her position at Jostens was eliminated, she went to work for Truth Tool Company.

Marian is survived by her son, Steve (Jaimie) McGowan of Lincoln, NE; daughter, Jean (Brad) Auringer of Waseca; daughter-in-law, Lori McGowan of Edina; grandchildren, Nicholas McGowan, Jack McGowan, Sabrina (Jessee) Jones, Samuel Auringer, and Justin (Elizabeth) McGowan; 3 great-grandchildren; and sister, Betty (Myron) Stickley and many nieces and one nephew.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Adwell "Jerry"; parents; firstborn son, Larry McGowan; brother, Burton Wang; sisters, Jenny Klemmer and Beulah Wang.

Services are pending.