Dow L. Dowler

Dow L. Dowler, 94, died in the arms of his daughters on Sunday, February 18, 2018 at the Hospice Home of Hope in Fond du Lac. He was born in Ft. Lyon, CO on April 2, 1923 to Laurence and Nellie (McNenney) Dowler. While serving in the European Theater (ETO) during WWII, Dow married Margaret “Pegs” Smith while on leave in England. His English bride of over 5 decades preceded him in death on February 15, 1997.



Dow loved his country and was very patriotic. He served with the U.S. Army throughout the Second World War. On June 6, 1944, his company, attached to the 6th Brigade Amphibious Engineers, landed at Omaha Beach during the 2nd wave of the invasion of Normandy. Having survived the landing, Dow and his company continued to fight throughout 1944 and the beginning of 1945, before he was given leave back to England for the duration of the war. Close to seven decades later, he had the privilege of taking the Old Glory Honor Flight to Washington D.C. with his fellow veterans.



Survivors include two daughters, Annette Hamm and Patricia (Edward) Benzel; five grandchildren, Aaron Hamm, Jason Benzel, Ryan (Lee) Jordan, Josie Dowler and Benjamin “Ben” (MacKenzie) Benzel; eight great-grandchildren; and two special friends, Rick Cuellar and Rosie Gilgenbach. He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Pegs; and his son, Charles “Chuck” Dowler.



In lieu of flowers, a memorial has been established in Dow’s name.



Visitation will be held from 10:30 AM – 12:00 PM, Saturday, February 24, 2018 at Chapel of the Risen Christ Mausoleum, Calvary Cemetery, 686 Fond du Lac Ave. in Fond du Lac. A funeral service will begin at 12:00 PM with entombment in the mausoleum to follow. Military honors will follow the services.



The family wishes to thank the Hospice Home of Hope for their care of Dow.



Gone from our sight, but never our memories ~~ Gone from our touch, but never our hearts.



“It’s been a good run, thanks.”