Robert “Bob” Dowling
July 31, 1947 – July 26, 2023
Robert John “Bob” Dowling, beloved husband, father, brother, and friend, passed away unexpectedly from complications of an aneurysm at Gundersen Hospital in Boscobel, WI on July 26, 2023.
He was born on July 31, 1947, in Boscobel, WI, to Floyd and Florence (Thompson) Dowling.
Bob graduated from Boscobel High School, entered the Air Force and later graduated from Southwest Technical College as an automotive technician. Bob was a jet engine and auto mechanic, a welder, and a farmer at heart.
He met his wife, Nancy Fillbach, on a blind date and they were married five months later on November 30, 1974. They raised their four children on farms in Crawford County and later purchased their own farm outside of Bell Center where they raise Herefords.
Bob loved to fish the Mississippi as well as travel to the Northwoods with his family and in later years with close friends to a cabin on Lake Garth. Last year, Bob and Nancy made a second trip to Canada and drove the Highway through Hell (one of his favorite TV shows) valley and mountain roads. On this trip he was able to meet a few of his favorite stars from the show and check out all the big rigs and tow trucks—he couldn’t quit smiling that day!
For those who knew Bob, they knew he loved to visit, had a witty banter, was always good natured, and loved his family and his farm. After retiring, he milked for Murphy Farms and these past few years he was the “hired man” for Busy “B” Farms. Working with Don, Josh, and the boys kept him busy driving tractor, which he loved, and he was a partner in crime to a lot of their shenanigans! In addition, he was a member of the “Liar’s Club” at Desperados Wonder Bar where he would have coffee about every morning with all his buddies. Bob was also the go-to handy/repair man for many and they knew he was only a phone call away and would be there to help with anything at any time.
As we say goodbye to Bob, we celebrate the life of an amazing man who made our world a better place and believed that “life was too short to be angry”. He was so good to his wife and children and was involved in their activities and projects (no matter how crazy he thought they were). They always “volunteered” him to help, which he did with a smile and sometimes a lot of muscle. His memory will forever be cherished by those who were fortunate enough to know and love him.
Bob is survived by his wife, Nancy; his son, Jason Ellery Dowling of Gays Mills, WI; his daughter and son-in-law, Kari (Rod) Schmidt of Glidden, WI; his son, Dustin Alexander Dowling of Eau Claire, WI; his daughter, Chelsea Renae Dowling of Gays Mills, WI; his two brothers and sister, David (Barbara) Dowling of Grafton, WI, Kenneth Dowling of Prairie du Chien, WI, and Beverly Schwartz of Marshall, WI; his five grandchildren, Moira, Corbin, Gabriel, Trinity and Xaiver; and his two grandpuppies, Mozzie and Gracie
Lou. Bob is preceded in death by his parents and his two precious mutts, Fritz and Tucker.
His funeral service will be held at 4 p.m. on Wednesday, August 2, 2023 at Community Church of Christ on County Road X, rural Soldiers Grove, WI, with an evening luncheon to follow. A visitation will be held from 1 p.m. until the time of service. Bob will be laid to rest at Montgomeryville Cemetery.
Kendell Funeral Service is serving Bob’s family.
