Darold Dowling

Darold "Butch" D. Dowling, age 78, of rural Argyle, WI, passed away Sunday, July 20, 2025, at UW-Hospital in Madison, WI. Butch was born on February 10, 1947, in Dodgeville, WI., the son of Theodore "Ted" and Thelma (Guist) Dowling. He grew up in Mineral Point, Wisconsin, graduating from Mineral Point High School before attending the Farming Short Course at UW-Madison. Following his education, Butch proudly served his country in the United States Marines, including a tour in Vietnam and postings in Hawaii and California.
After his military service, Butch married his first wife, Mary Miller, on August 23, 1969, and they began their family in Mt. Horeb, Wisconsin. Throughout his life, Butch, alongside his family, provided a loving home for over 60 foster children, leaving an immeasurable impact on countless lives.
Following his retirement, Butch moved to Argyle, where he met the love of his life, Judy Parmer. They were married in 2015 and have since shared a joyful life together.
Butch was a devoted member of Yellowstone Lutheran Church in rural Argyle. He was also a proud member of Argyle American Legion Post #251 and the Deer Creek Sportsman Club in Mt. Vernon. In his free time, Butch found immense joy in the outdoors, whether he was hunting, fishing, riding horses, or simply appreciating nature. He also had a fondness for collecting unique odds and ends.
Butch is survived by his beloved wife, Judy, at home; his children, Noelle (Anne-Marie Lozeau) Dowling of Middleton, Wisconsin, and Adam (his companion: Scotti Adrian) Dowling of Mt. Horeb, Wisconsin; three adopted children, Rebecca (Ryan Olstad) Dowling of Madison, WI., Nigel Dowling of Madison, WI., and Danny Dowling of Mt. Horeb, WI., stepchildren: Dennis Parmer and Cynthia Parmer. He is also survived by his cherished grandchildren, Thianna and Collen Bergholtz, Kolt Parmer, Kaylee Learman, Finn and Harper Patenaude, Oumou, Aicha, Ismael Dowling, Logan and Serena Parmer; one great grandchild: Lane Bergholtz; his sister, Dixie (Neil) Geiger of Kaukauna, Wisconsin, along with several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents.
A prayer service will be held August 5, 2025, at the Erickson Funeral Home in Argyle (801 E. Milwaukee, St. Argyle WI, 53504) from 3:30PM- 3:45 PM with Pastor Daniel Bohlman officiating. A visitation will be held August 5, 2025, from 4:00 PM- 7:00PM at the Erickson Funeral Home in Argyle (801 E. Milwaukee, St. Argyle WI, 53504). A celebration of life will be held August 30, 2025, from 1:00PM-6:00PM at his home in rural Argyle. The Erickson Funeral Home in Argyle is assisting the family. Online condolences may be expressed at www.ericksonfuneralhome.com.