Service Details
Funeral services celebrating Jeff’s life will be held on Thursday, November 7, 2019 at 11:00 am in Christ Church United Methodist (5109 Washington Avenue) with Rev. George J. Kafer officiating. Interment will follow in West Lawn Memorial Park. Visitation will be in the funeral home on Wednesday from 5:00 – 7:00 pm and in the church on Thursday from 10:00 – 11:00 am.
Memorial Suggestions
Memorials to the “Jeff Dowd Technology Education Scholarship Fund” have been suggested.
Mount Pleasant – Jeffrey L. Dowd, age 79, passed away peacefully at home, surrounded with the love of his family, on Tuesday, October 29, 2019 following a 10 week battle with pancreatic cancer.
Jeff was born in Muncie, IN on August 14, 1940 to the late William J. and Rowena M. (nee: Mays) Dowd. A graduate of Muncie Central High School, he went on to earn bachelor and master’s degrees in education from Ball State University. On December 20, 1969 in Christ Church United Methodist, Jeff was united in marriage with the love of his life, Corinne K. (nee: Ray). They proudly acknowledged their 50th Anniversary with a beautiful celebratory vacation this past June.
With a great passion for educating, Jeff was a technology education teacher and coordinator with Racine Unified School District for over 35 years, retiring in 1999. However, in retirement, Jeff continued to mentor new teachers and students by sharing his knowledge and experiences. He was a dedicated member, officer, mentor & coordinator of the AYES (Automotive Youth Educational Systems) and WTEA (Wisconsin Technology Educational Systems). Jeff enjoyed deer & turkey hunting, maintaining his yard, chopping wood, and spending time with family at their retreat home in Poy Sippi, WI. Jeff was a true friend to many and has helped countless lives find their way. Nobody was a stranger to Jeff!
Surviving are his loving wife of 50 years, Corinne; their children, Bryce (Dineo) Dowd & Jason (Zeena) Dowd; grandchildren, Moira, Brendan & Armani; brothers, Ronald (Pat), Michael (Susan) and Randy Dowd; sisters-in-law, Marlyn Stewart and Shirley Ray; nieces, nephews, former students & friends – too numerous to mention all by name. In addition to his parents, Jeff was preceded in death by his beloved grandmother, Hazy McKibben; and brother-in-law, Jerry Ray.
Funeral services celebrating Jeff’s life will be held on Thursday, November 7, 2019 at 11:00 am in Christ Church United Methodist (5109 Washington Avenue) with Rev. George J. Kafer officiating. Interment will follow in West Lawn Memorial Park. Visitation will be in the funeral home on Wednesday from 5:00 – 7:00 pm and in the church on Thursday from 10:00 – 11:00 am. Memorials to the “Jeff Dowd Technology Education Scholarship Fund” have been suggested.
A heartfelt note of thanks to Hospice Alliance, Dr. Ryan Engel, Dr. Robert Gullberg and all of their amazing staffs for the compassionate care and support given in Jeff’s time of need. May God bless all of you!
Dale Kirchner says
A true professional in ALL aspects of his career. He will be missed by everyone who knew him.
Nick Keeran says
Mr. Dowd was a mentor and an absolute role model for me at Horlick (94-97). I learned so much from him and would not have accomplished the things I did if it weren’t for the guidance of him and Mr. Cipov. Mr. Dowd was a fantastic person and I will never forget him!
Jeff Van Buren says
Jeff and I worked together periodically through his involvement in the AYES program. I was impressed immediately with his passion for developing young people.
He will be missed.
Dean and Arlene Hugdahl says
We are so sorry to hear of Jeff’s rapid passing. We are thinking of all of you and have you in our prayers.
Joe Ciontea says
I will remember Jeff always. He was my colleague, friend, and, mentor. We was a leader and a role model for Technology Education.
Wayne & Gloria Gotthardt says
So sorry for your loss. I worked at Starbuck and remember Jeff and Corrinne. You are in my prayers.
Leonard Hasse says
Jeff, We have had many years of good times and friendship. You will be sorely missed.
Len Hasse
Dennis McGoldrick says
Jeff absolutely always had a twinkle in his eye and one could never question his dedication to kids who’s interests were always at the forefront of his mind. I admired his positive outlook and persistence in pursuing his passions.
My sincere condolences to Corinne and the boys.
Arthur and Suzanne Uher says
Our family would like to extend our deepest sympathy to the Dowd family. We all have know Jeff for many years through Skills USA and WTEA. He will be sadly missed.
Steve Birno says
He was a great man that had an influence on teachers in the Technology Education field. He will be greatly missed at our annual WTEA Conferences.
Karen Woolley says
So sorry for your loss. Karen Woolley
Doug kugler says
Jeff was a great mentor and friend. I will miss his enthusiasm and passion he had in the technology education field. Jeff got me involved to join the WTEA board many years ago. He was a leader and a role model for me as a Technology Education teacher. I will miss him deeply.
Stan-Vissia D'Souza says
Jeff was a man of few words, but very wise and caring person. Every time we met he would first ask how kids are doing with their education and discussing their well being in detail with a genuine interest and caring heart. Always showing his love for kids and education. Never thought the end of our friendship would come this quick.
Our heartfelt condolences to Corinne, Bryce-Dineo, Jason-Zeena, Moira, Brendan & Armani.
Our prayers are with you during this difficult time.
Dale Koehler says
We could all learn from him. His commitment to his profession was inspiring! What he did for WTEA was appreciated.
Dale Koehler
Turtle Lake HS
Mark J. Shimkus says
My deepest condolences to Jeff’s family. I remember working with him in my teaching career. He was a good guy and a great teacher.
Mark J. Shimkus
Carl Hader says
Many of us knew Jeff Dowd as the quintessential (representing the most perfect or typical example of a quality or class) Technology Educator. He also lived that definition as a husband, father, and friend. Although he is greatly missed by all of us that he was close to, the immensely positive impact that Jeff left on us remains intact and active every day. As teachers striving to better the world through technology education, Jeff is our “Shop Angel”, always there with a guiding hand, looking after us and our classes. There is always a workbench in our shops for you!
God Bless You & Keep You Jeff Dowd!