John William Dowdle

John W. Dowdle, 81 of Kingsford passed away, Tuesday April 6, 2021 at D.J. Jacobetti Home for Veterans in Marquette peacefully in his sleep. John was born on July 25, 1939 in Kingsford, the youngest son of the late Charles and Gertrude (Butzke) Dowdle. He graduated from Kingsford High School in 1957. He joined the U.S Air Force in 1958 and served as an aircraft mechanic until 1962. He was an active member of the Disabled American Veterans and the American Legion Post 363. John was an advocate for his fellow veterans to file for their VA benefits. He enjoyed driving a Ford model A in the 4th of July parade. He also volunteered at various veteran functions in Dickinson County. He was fascinated with Fords. Perhaps it's because his dad took him to meet Henry Ford when he was 5 years old. He repeated the story frequently. "Henry Ford gave me a dime for an ice cream cone. I gave the dime to my dad. I don't know if I got the ice cream cone." He collected Ford N8 tractors and Ford Model A's. He subscribed to the magazines that complimented his fascination and read them frequently. In the summer he enjoyed watching the Detroit Tigers. In the fall on a Sunday afternoon you could find him watching the Detroit Lions on TV. He enjoyed wagering an annual bet with Christine, his daughter, and Terry Rice on the Lions VS Packers annually. He said he would never be a Packer fan because he supported Michigan. John enjoyed deer hunting, snow-birding in the South and watch the wildlife in his backyard. In addition to his parents, John was preceded in death by his brothers, Paul (Rose) Bodel, Charles (Ruth) Dowdle, Albert Dowdle, James Dowdle; his sister, Shirley Alleva-Oman; a brother-in-law Fadel George; and his longtime friend, Geraldine Piper. He is survived by his four daughters, Jeannine (Jim) Grailer of Kingsford, Christine (Mike) Bachand of Iron Mountain, Dawn (Derek) Gloeckl of Bethel Park, PA and Sonya Alto of Kingsford; nine grandchildren, Jaime Grailer, Jessica Grailer, Justin Grailer, Joe Bachand, Hannah Gloeckl, Samantha Gloeckl, Derek Alto, Cody Alto, and Bryce Alto; one sister Mary Alice "Arch" George and many nieces and nephews. Due to COVID-19 concerns an military graveside service will be held on Friday, April 16, 2021 at 11am at the Quinnesec Cemetery. Interment will follow. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in his honor to: American Diabetes Association PO Box 7023 Merrifield, VA 22116-7023 Condolences to the family of John Dowdle may be expressed online at www.ernashfuneralhomes.com. The family has entrusted the Erickson-Rochon & Nash Funeral Home with the arrangements.

John William Dowdle

July 25, 1939 - April 6, 2021