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(Wednesday - October 21, 2020) -
Albert J. "Bud" Dowdle, age 88, of Iron Mountain, passed away on Sunday,
October 18, at ManorCare Health Services from complications of
Alzheimer's and Covid-19.
Albert was born on January 7, 1932, in
Chicago, the son of the late Charles and Gertrude (Butzke) Dowdle. The
family relocated to Breitung Township in 1934 where Albert remained a
lifelong resident. He graduated from Kingsford High School in 1950, then
joined the U.S. Marine Corps where he eventually became a drill
instructor, graduating five classes of marines. After an honorable
discharge Albert did a 4 year indentured machinist apprenticeship at the
Washburn trade school while working for the Goodman Manufacturing
Company in Chicago. Upon graduation he became their leadman in the lathe
department.
In 1957, Albert moved back to his home to work for
Eagle Tool company. He started at the Hanna Mine in 1959 where he worked
until it closed in 1981. Following the closure of the mine Albert spent
three months in Colombia, South America consulting for a Hanna Nickel
Mine startup. Albert later went into real estate and then worked at
Kleiman Pump and Well Drilling until his retirement.
Bud loved
going out for a "lunch", music, people and dogs. If you knew Bud, you
know he was an avid hunter and outdoorsman. He loved to tell hunting
stories and continued making such memories by hunting elk in Colorado at
the age of 82, definitely a special hunt for all. Camp, cards, and
keeping company with family was important.
Over the years Albert
was a member of the sportsman club and joined their bow tournaments;
actually hitting robin hood. He was also a member of Whitetails
Unlimited, the Jaycees and continued supporting a variety of
organizations throughout his life with generous donations. He was a
member of First Baptist Church where for many years he enjoyed and
supported church gatherings, especially activities for the children.
Children and dogs always put a smile on his face.
Albert was a
fella who always had some smart remark, poem or "saying" to share. His
outgoing manner is reflected in the number of people he has known. No
matter where you were, he always knew someone and would stop to shoot
the breeze with them for a bit.
In most recent years, "Bud" may
or may not have remembered you on your visits to the nursing home, but
he certainly enjoyed them, as well as interactions with any and all who
passed through the halls of ManorCare. The staff got to know him and
became a second family. Their continued care and support for him and his
family right to the end will not be forgotten. Albert will be missed by
many; but we rejoice in knowing he has now joined his Heavenly Father
and is at peace.
In addition to his parents, Albert was preceded
in death by his brothers, James Dowdle, Paul (Rose) Bodel, and Charles
(Ruth) Dowdle; his sister, Shirley Alleva-Oman, a brother-in-law, Fadel
George, and a step-daughter Jacquelyn (Cram) Meyer.
He is
survived by his son, Terry (Monica) Dowdle of Breitung Township; his
daughter, Sherri (Randy) Lauritson of Rancho Cucamonga, California; six
grandchildren, Ashley Dowdle, Anthony Dowdle, Brandee Lauritson, Bradley
Lauritson, Joseph Dowdle, and Terrance Dowdle II; one sister, Mary Alice
"Archie" George of Iron Mountain; one brother, John Dowdle of Kingsford;
many nieces and nephews, and the mother of his children, Mariann Branz
Goodchild.
Bud is further survived by his second wife, Annette
(Cram) Dowdle; step-son, Daniel (Kelly) Cram; step-daughters, Becky
(John) Horning, Nanette (Bob) Trecartin, Tammy (Carl) Smoot, along with
numerous grandchildren.
Due to COVID-19 concerns, only a
military graveside service will be held on Friday, October 23, at 2:30
PM at Cemetery Park in Iron Mountain. Interment will follow.
In
lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in his honor to:
Alzheimer's Association, Greater Michigan Chapter
25200 Telegraph
Rd. STE 100
Southfield, MI 48033-7443
Condolences to the
family of Albert "Bud" Dowdle May be expressed online at:
www.ernashfuneralhomes.com
The family has entrusted the Erickson-Rochon & Nash Funeral Home
with the arrangements.
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