Obituaries : Ronald E. Dowd

Ronald E. Dowd, 86, died peacefully at home Wednesday, August 18, 2021, surrounded by his loving family.

Funeral services will be 10:30 a.m. Saturday, September 4, 2021, at the Wesley United Methodist Church in Vinton with Rev. Brian Channel officiating. Visitation will be 4 to 7 p.m. Friday, at the church. Burial will be in Evergreen Cemetery, Vinton with full military rites.

Ron was born June 29, 1935, in Boone, IA, the son of Jack and Deloris Dean Dowd. He was a graduate of Lincoln High School, Vinton and the University of Iowa where he received a degree in Business. He was also a member of the Fraternity Delta Upsilon.

On June 21, 1958, Ron married the "love of his life", Kay Crisman at the Wesley United Methodist Church, Vinton. Ron was a member of ROTC and from there, entered the US Army as a lieutenant where he proudly served for two years. He continued his service for four years in the National Guard. Upon returning to Vinton, Ron joined the family retail business, Michael & Dowd, retiring in 2010. During his business years, Ron's customers became as family and customer service was paramount.

Ron was a member of the Wesley United Methodist Church, Vinton Kiwanis, Vinton Country Club and the Vinton Chamber of Commerce. He served on the boards for Vinton Transportation, Cedar Valley Nature Trail, Evergreen Cemetery, Vinton Library and thirty-three years on FSB&T. He was a huge Iowa Hawkeye fan, loved golfing, bowling, fishing and attending his grandchildren's sporting events.

Ron is survived by his wife of 63 years, Kay, of Vinton; son, David (Jane) Dowd of South Lake, TX; two daughters: Deborah Parker-Dowd of Iowa City and Lisa (Mark) Vogt of Vinton; eight grandchildren: Devin Parker, Brooke, Maddie, Matt and Ella Dowd and Hunter, Edee (Jacob Kahle) and Kody Vogt.

Ron was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Larry Michael; and sister, Joan Harrison.

Memorials may be directed to the Wesley United Methodist Church, Vinton Fire Department and Virginia Gay Hospital.

Van Steenhuyse-Teahen Funeral Home is caring for Ron and his family. Condolences may be left at www.vsrfh.com.