Rev. Dowdy

Pastor Kenneth L. Dowdy of Manitowoc, Wisconsin, beloved husband, father, grandfather, and great grandfather, age 78, went to be with his Savior on Thursday, May 29, 2014. Ken was born in Denver, Colorado. After spending time in Japan and Ethiopia, he attended Texas A&M University. During Ken's time at the university, he was employed by the United States Forest Service. After leaving Texas A&M, he enlisted in the United States Army. Ken was stationed in Germany where he met and married Heide I. Dettmann, the love of his life for 55 years. Ken also served one tour of duty as a helicopter pilot in Viet Nam. After leaving the military, he worked as a helicopter instructor pilot for Southern Airways of Texas. While working as an instructor pilot, Ken was active in church life and felt a calling into the ministry. He entered into Concordia Seminary in Springfield, Illinois. Ken served as Vicar at St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Aurora, Illinois. After finishing his studies at the seminary, Ken was ordained as a pastor of the Lutheran Church Missouri Synod and was assigned to Trinity Lutheran Church in Anna, Illinois. He later became the pastor of Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Two Rivers, Wisconsin where he remained until he retired. After retirement, Ken served as a vacancy pastor for many years. Ken is survived by his beloved wife, Heide, four children and their families: Kenneth and Karen Dowdy, Joseph, Thomas and Matthew; Karen and Chris Pauer, Johnathon and Sydnie; Angie and Doug Brown; and Curt and Holly Dowdy, Timothy, Hanna and Lucas. He is also survived by a great grandchild, Michael, sisters Sarah Ritch and Mary Rice, sister-in-law, Hannalore Ruprecht, and many nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews. In retirement, Ken had many hobbies: antiques, feeding birds, and his flowers, garden, and fruit trees. Known to the local charities as the "Pear Man", he shared the bounty with relatives and friends as well. He was also renowned for his home-made fudge at Christmas. But none of his hobbies brought him as much joy as his love of witnessing the Gospel of Jesus Christ with others. Ken also did volunteer work and provided visitation to church members. Donations can be made in Ken's name to Trinity Lutheran Church Mission Fund in Howards Grove or to A Place of Refuge in Milwaukee (aporonline.org). Visitation will be held at Trinity Lutheran Church, W2776 STH 32, Howards Grove on Tuesday, June 3 from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM with a Funeral Service at 2:00 PM with Rev. Darrel Bergelin presiding. Burial at Trinity Lutheran Church Cemetery will follow immediately after.