Roger L. Dowil

1947 - 2019

Roger Lee Dowil, 71, Washington, passed away Thursday, Jan. 17, 2019, in Washington.

Roger was born Dec. 8, 1947, in Washington, the son of Leo Dowil and wife Wilma, nee Rinne. Roger attended Washington High School and graduated from Missouri Valley College, Marshall, in 1969, with a Bachelor of Science degree in business administration. He received two associate degrees from East Central College in finance and banking. Roger served in the U.S. Army, from June 1970 to January 1972, earning the rank of Specialist 5. He was united in marriage to Ruth Breithaupt Aug. 28, 1971, at Immanuel Lutheran Church, Washington.

Roger's business career was focused on credit management. He was employed by Sears in the credit division for 15 years, from 1969 to 1985, then by Mercantile Bank (later known as U.S. Bank), in the credit card division, from 1985 until his retirement. He also worked at Magnet in Washington in the accounting division. Roger was very active in the Boy Scouts of America as a youth, earning the rank of Eagle Scout. As an adult, he spent a number of years as a Scoutmaster and assistant leader. Roger was a lifetime member of St. Peter's United Church of Christ, active over the years serving on a number of boards and committees.

Roger's greatest joy was spending time with family. He looked forward every year to deer hunting with family and friends. Over the years, he spent many hours fishing as well.

Roger is survived by his beloved wife of 47 years, Ruth Dowil, Washington; two sons, Robert Dowil and wife Jennifer, West Des Moines, Iowa, and Stephen Dowil and wife Rebecca, Urbandale, Iowa; three grandchildren, Jonathan, Natalie and Melanie Dowil, all of Urbandale, Iowa; one sister, Karen Houchins and husband Richard, Dutzow; two brothers-in-law, Ervin Ebker, Marthasville, and Wayne Breithaupt, Washington; nieces; nephews; great-nieces and great-nephews; other relatives and many friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Leo and Wilma Dowil; one sister, Barbara Ebker; and one brother, Donald Dowil, in infancy.

Funeral services were held Wednesday, Jan. 23, at 11 a.m. at St. Peter's United Church of Christ, Washington, with the Rev. Gary Schulte officiating. Interment, with full military honors, followed in the church cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the St. Peter's U.C.C. Building Fund (checks payable to St. Peter's U.C.C.).

The Dowil family was served by Oltmann Funeral Home, Washington.