MAYFLOWER DESCENDENT OF PILGRIM'S RICHARD WARREN AND JOHN BILLINGTON.
Jack was born on Aug. 8, 1934 at home in Cohasset-Grand Rapids, Itasca County, the son of Charles Jr. and Emily (Akre) Dowell. Jack was a larger than life figure to his family and friends. He loved people and people loved him. He was named the Grand Rapids Herald Review Citizen of the Year in 1998.
He left school early to join the Army, serving in the Korean Conflict. He returned home to marry Jacqueline Meyer on Dec. 10, 1953 and the couple had four daughters. Jack graduated from the Minnesota School of Business in Minneapolis. Jack had many passions in life; his largest passion dedicated to civic leadership.
Jack was actively involved with the Junior Chamber of Commerce and was a driving force for bringing the Soap Box Derby races to the Grand Rapids area. Jack joined the Grand Rapids Fire Department in 1962, and served as the GRFD Chief from 1973-83, retiring after 22-years in 1984. Jack was serving as a Minnesota State Fire Warden at the time of his death. Jack enjoyed all aspects of civic service. He was an EMT; he served with the National Ski Patrol; he was a police commissioner for the City of Grand Rapids and he served two terms as the Mayor of Cohasset from 1993-97. In his early years, Jack's salesman appeal earned him many customers while working for Goldfine's Furniture and Swanson Chevrolet. He eventually went into a career that he described as his ideal job, owning and operating Dowell Insurance Agency as an American Family Insurance Agent for nearly 30-years.
Jack will always be remembered for his great sense of humor, his overt flirting with the ladies, his wonderful summer garbage can/BBQ picnic parties and being the ever-jovial Santa visiting friends and family each Christmas. Jack's motto was always: 'Everyone welcome any time, all the time.' He was a man who found joy with visiting with people from all walks of life. He loved to shop, collect things, go to garage sales and go to the casino. Jack loved to sing karaoke and favored the song, 'I did it my way' as he felt he had a long and blessed life despite many health complications over the past decade. Jack was a role model to many and a hero to his children. His warm smile and generous nature will be deeply and sadly missed.
Jack was preceded in death by his parents, Emily (Akre) and Charles Dowell and his beloved brother, James F. Dowell. Jack is survived by his fiancee Lucille Cleveland, his four daughters: Jill Zauhar Backberg, Kim Dowell, Pamela Dowell and Judi Dowell, three grandchildren: Angie Dowell Lussier, Sean Zauhar and Malorie Zauhar DeWenter, Eight *(8) great-grandchildren *(Update 2013): Luna Mendez Zauhar, Emma Zauhar, Mia Zauhar, Lilliauna Lussier, Andrew Jack Lussier, Nolah Lussier, Stella DeWenter and Hudson DeWenter, five sisters: Janis Dowell, JoAnn Carter, Jean Ann Basturk, Juel Sabot and Debbie Dowell, along with numerous friends and relatives. He is also survived by half-siblings Ronald Rebro and Cheryle Brooks.
A processional followed the service led by an honorary escort from the Cohasset and Grand Rapids Fire Departments to burial at the Itasca-Calvary Cemetery in Grand Rapids.
.......................
Jack Dowell was a good friend of my Dad's. They met as young men, both working at Swanson's Chevrolet, Jack as a salesman and Dad as a mechanic. Though life took them different directions, they remained friends throughout the years. He had such a personality, you just had to love him! I will miss our gabfests whenever we would see each other downtown, and I will miss his smile and laugh. He will be missed so very much by so many people. - Carron B.
DOWELL
JACK B.
AUG. 8, 1934
MAY 1, 2007
(ENGRAVING OF JACK)
U.S. ARMY - KOREA 1952 - 1953
JAYCEE VICE PRESIDENT - 1962 - PRESIDENT - 1963 - STATE DIRECTOR - 1964
DISTINGUISHED SERVICE AWARD - 1965
GOOD GOVERNMENT AWARD - 1980
MN POWER & LIGHT PRIVATE ENTERPRISE AWARD - 1980 (wrong year engraved - should be 1965)
GRAND RAPIDS FIRE DEPT. - 22 YEARS - 10 YEARS - FIRE CHIEF
FIRE AND RESCUE CHIEF - ITASCA COUNTY 1973-1983
FIRE WARDEN - 1971 TO PRESENT 44 YEARS
EMERGENCY MEDICAL TECHNICIAN
SUGAR HILLS SKI PATROL 10 YEARS
GRAND RAPIDS POLICE COMMISSION
AMERICAN LEGION - VETERAN OF FOREIGN WARS
CITIZEN OF THE YEAR 1998
MAYOR OF COHASSET 1993-1997
Jack was born on Aug. 8, 1934 at home in Cohasset-Grand Rapids, Itasca County, the son of Charles Jr. and Emily (Akre) Dowell. Jack was a larger than life figure to his family and friends. He loved people and people loved him. He was named the Grand Rapids Herald Review Citizen of the Year in 1998.
He left school early to join the Army, serving in the Korean Conflict. He returned home to marry Jacqueline Meyer on Dec. 10, 1953 and the couple had four daughters. Jack graduated from the Minnesota School of Business in Minneapolis. Jack had many passions in life; his largest passion dedicated to civic leadership.
Jack was actively involved with the Junior Chamber of Commerce and was a driving force for bringing the Soap Box Derby races to the Grand Rapids area. Jack joined the Grand Rapids Fire Department in 1962, and served as the GRFD Chief from 1973-83, retiring after 22-years in 1984. Jack was serving as a Minnesota State Fire Warden at the time of his death. Jack enjoyed all aspects of civic service. He was an EMT; he served with the National Ski Patrol; he was a police commissioner for the City of Grand Rapids and he served two terms as the Mayor of Cohasset from 1993-97. In his early years, Jack's salesman appeal earned him many customers while working for Goldfine's Furniture and Swanson Chevrolet. He eventually went into a career that he described as his ideal job, owning and operating Dowell Insurance Agency as an American Family Insurance Agent for nearly 30-years.
Jack will always be remembered for his great sense of humor, his overt flirting with the ladies, his wonderful summer garbage can/BBQ picnic parties and being the ever-jovial Santa visiting friends and family each Christmas. Jack's motto was always: 'Everyone welcome any time, all the time.' He was a man who found joy with visiting with people from all walks of life. He loved to shop, collect things, go to garage sales and go to the casino. Jack loved to sing karaoke and favored the song, 'I did it my way' as he felt he had a long and blessed life despite many health complications over the past decade. Jack was a role model to many and a hero to his children. His warm smile and generous nature will be deeply and sadly missed.
Jack was preceded in death by his parents, Emily (Akre) and Charles Dowell and his beloved brother, James F. Dowell. Jack is survived by his fiancee Lucille Cleveland, his four daughters: Jill Zauhar Backberg, Kim Dowell, Pamela Dowell and Judi Dowell, three grandchildren: Angie Dowell Lussier, Sean Zauhar and Malorie Zauhar DeWenter, Eight *(8) great-grandchildren *(Update 2013): Luna Mendez Zauhar, Emma Zauhar, Mia Zauhar, Lilliauna Lussier, Andrew Jack Lussier, Nolah Lussier, Stella DeWenter and Hudson DeWenter, five sisters: Janis Dowell, JoAnn Carter, Jean Ann Basturk, Juel Sabot and Debbie Dowell, along with numerous friends and relatives. He is also survived by half-siblings Ronald Rebro and Cheryle Brooks.
A processional followed the service led by an honorary escort from the Cohasset and Grand Rapids Fire Departments to burial at the Itasca-Calvary Cemetery in Grand Rapids.
.......................
Jack Dowell was a good friend of my Dad's. They met as young men, both working at Swanson's Chevrolet, Jack as a salesman and Dad as a mechanic. Though life took them different directions, they remained friends throughout the years. He had such a personality, you just had to love him! I will miss our gabfests whenever we would see each other downtown, and I will miss his smile and laugh. He will be missed so very much by so many people. - Carron B.
DOWELL
JACK B.
AUG. 8, 1934
MAY 1, 2007
(ENGRAVING OF JACK)
U.S. ARMY - KOREA 1952 - 1953
JAYCEE VICE PRESIDENT - 1962 - PRESIDENT - 1963 - STATE DIRECTOR - 1964
DISTINGUISHED SERVICE AWARD - 1965
GOOD GOVERNMENT AWARD - 1980
MN POWER & LIGHT PRIVATE ENTERPRISE AWARD - 1980 (wrong year engraved - should be 1965)
GRAND RAPIDS FIRE DEPT. - 22 YEARS - 10 YEARS - FIRE CHIEF
FIRE AND RESCUE CHIEF - ITASCA COUNTY 1973-1983
FIRE WARDEN - 1971 TO PRESENT 44 YEARS
EMERGENCY MEDICAL TECHNICIAN
SUGAR HILLS SKI PATROL 10 YEARS
GRAND RAPIDS POLICE COMMISSION
AMERICAN LEGION - VETERAN OF FOREIGN WARS
CITIZEN OF THE YEAR 1998
MAYOR OF COHASSET 1993-1997
MAYFLOWER DESCENDENT OF PILGRIM'S RICHARD WARREN AND JOHN BILLINGTON.
Jack was born on Aug. 8, 1934 at home in Cohasset-Grand Rapids, Itasca County, the son of Charles Jr. and Emily (Akre) Dowell. Jack was a larger than life figure to his family and friends. He loved people and people loved him. He was named the Grand Rapids Herald Review Citizen of the Year in 1998.
He left school early to join the Army, serving in the Korean Conflict. He returned home to marry Jacqueline Meyer on Dec. 10, 1953 and the couple had four daughters. Jack graduated from the Minnesota School of Business in Minneapolis. Jack had many passions in life; his largest passion dedicated to civic leadership.
Jack was actively involved with the Junior Chamber of Commerce and was a driving force for bringing the Soap Box Derby races to the Grand Rapids area. Jack joined the Grand Rapids Fire Department in 1962, and served as the GRFD Chief from 1973-83, retiring after 22-years in 1984. Jack was serving as a Minnesota State Fire Warden at the time of his death. Jack enjoyed all aspects of civic service. He was an EMT; he served with the National Ski Patrol; he was a police commissioner for the City of Grand Rapids and he served two terms as the Mayor of Cohasset from 1993-97. In his early years, Jack's salesman appeal earned him many customers while working for Goldfine's Furniture and Swanson Chevrolet. He eventually went into a career that he described as his ideal job, owning and operating Dowell Insurance Agency as an American Family Insurance Agent for nearly 30-years.
Jack will always be remembered for his great sense of humor, his overt flirting with the ladies, his wonderful summer garbage can/BBQ picnic parties and being the ever-jovial Santa visiting friends and family each Christmas. Jack's motto was always: 'Everyone welcome any time, all the time.' He was a man who found joy with visiting with people from all walks of life. He loved to shop, collect things, go to garage sales and go to the casino. Jack loved to sing karaoke and favored the song, 'I did it my way' as he felt he had a long and blessed life despite many health complications over the past decade. Jack was a role model to many and a hero to his children. His warm smile and generous nature will be deeply and sadly missed.
Jack was preceded in death by his parents, Emily (Akre) and Charles Dowell and his beloved brother, James F. Dowell. Jack is survived by his fiancee Lucille Cleveland, his four daughters: Jill Zauhar Backberg, Kim Dowell, Pamela Dowell and Judi Dowell, three grandchildren: Angie Dowell Lussier, Sean Zauhar and Malorie Zauhar DeWenter, Eight *(8) great-grandchildren *(Update 2013): Luna Mendez Zauhar, Emma Zauhar, Mia Zauhar, Lilliauna Lussier, Andrew Jack Lussier, Nolah Lussier, Stella DeWenter and Hudson DeWenter, five sisters: Janis Dowell, JoAnn Carter, Jean Ann Basturk, Juel Sabot and Debbie Dowell, along with numerous friends and relatives. He is also survived by half-siblings Ronald Rebro and Cheryle Brooks.
A processional followed the service led by an honorary escort from the Cohasset and Grand Rapids Fire Departments to burial at the Itasca-Calvary Cemetery in Grand Rapids.
.......................
Jack Dowell was a good friend of my Dad's. They met as young men, both working at Swanson's Chevrolet, Jack as a salesman and Dad as a mechanic. Though life took them different directions, they remained friends throughout the years. He had such a personality, you just had to love him! I will miss our gabfests whenever we would see each other downtown, and I will miss his smile and laugh. He will be missed so very much by so many people. - Carron B.
DOWELL
JACK B.
AUG. 8, 1934
MAY 1, 2007
(ENGRAVING OF JACK)
U.S. ARMY - KOREA 1952 - 1953
JAYCEE VICE PRESIDENT - 1962 - PRESIDENT - 1963 - STATE DIRECTOR - 1964
DISTINGUISHED SERVICE AWARD - 1965
GOOD GOVERNMENT AWARD - 1980
MN POWER & LIGHT PRIVATE ENTERPRISE AWARD - 1980 (wrong year engraved - should be 1965)
GRAND RAPIDS FIRE DEPT. - 22 YEARS - 10 YEARS - FIRE CHIEF
FIRE AND RESCUE CHIEF - ITASCA COUNTY 1973-1983
FIRE WARDEN - 1971 TO PRESENT 44 YEARS
EMERGENCY MEDICAL TECHNICIAN
SUGAR HILLS SKI PATROL 10 YEARS
GRAND RAPIDS POLICE COMMISSION
AMERICAN LEGION - VETERAN OF FOREIGN WARS
CITIZEN OF THE YEAR 1998
MAYOR OF COHASSET 1993-1997
Jack was born on Aug. 8, 1934 at home in Cohasset-Grand Rapids, Itasca County, the son of Charles Jr. and Emily (Akre) Dowell. Jack was a larger than life figure to his family and friends. He loved people and people loved him. He was named the Grand Rapids Herald Review Citizen of the Year in 1998.
He left school early to join the Army, serving in the Korean Conflict. He returned home to marry Jacqueline Meyer on Dec. 10, 1953 and the couple had four daughters. Jack graduated from the Minnesota School of Business in Minneapolis. Jack had many passions in life; his largest passion dedicated to civic leadership.
Jack was actively involved with the Junior Chamber of Commerce and was a driving force for bringing the Soap Box Derby races to the Grand Rapids area. Jack joined the Grand Rapids Fire Department in 1962, and served as the GRFD Chief from 1973-83, retiring after 22-years in 1984. Jack was serving as a Minnesota State Fire Warden at the time of his death. Jack enjoyed all aspects of civic service. He was an EMT; he served with the National Ski Patrol; he was a police commissioner for the City of Grand Rapids and he served two terms as the Mayor of Cohasset from 1993-97. In his early years, Jack's salesman appeal earned him many customers while working for Goldfine's Furniture and Swanson Chevrolet. He eventually went into a career that he described as his ideal job, owning and operating Dowell Insurance Agency as an American Family Insurance Agent for nearly 30-years.
Jack will always be remembered for his great sense of humor, his overt flirting with the ladies, his wonderful summer garbage can/BBQ picnic parties and being the ever-jovial Santa visiting friends and family each Christmas. Jack's motto was always: 'Everyone welcome any time, all the time.' He was a man who found joy with visiting with people from all walks of life. He loved to shop, collect things, go to garage sales and go to the casino. Jack loved to sing karaoke and favored the song, 'I did it my way' as he felt he had a long and blessed life despite many health complications over the past decade. Jack was a role model to many and a hero to his children. His warm smile and generous nature will be deeply and sadly missed.
Jack was preceded in death by his parents, Emily (Akre) and Charles Dowell and his beloved brother, James F. Dowell. Jack is survived by his fiancee Lucille Cleveland, his four daughters: Jill Zauhar Backberg, Kim Dowell, Pamela Dowell and Judi Dowell, three grandchildren: Angie Dowell Lussier, Sean Zauhar and Malorie Zauhar DeWenter, Eight *(8) great-grandchildren *(Update 2013): Luna Mendez Zauhar, Emma Zauhar, Mia Zauhar, Lilliauna Lussier, Andrew Jack Lussier, Nolah Lussier, Stella DeWenter and Hudson DeWenter, five sisters: Janis Dowell, JoAnn Carter, Jean Ann Basturk, Juel Sabot and Debbie Dowell, along with numerous friends and relatives. He is also survived by half-siblings Ronald Rebro and Cheryle Brooks.
A processional followed the service led by an honorary escort from the Cohasset and Grand Rapids Fire Departments to burial at the Itasca-Calvary Cemetery in Grand Rapids.
.......................
Jack Dowell was a good friend of my Dad's. They met as young men, both working at Swanson's Chevrolet, Jack as a salesman and Dad as a mechanic. Though life took them different directions, they remained friends throughout the years. He had such a personality, you just had to love him! I will miss our gabfests whenever we would see each other downtown, and I will miss his smile and laugh. He will be missed so very much by so many people. - Carron B.
DOWELL
JACK B.
AUG. 8, 1934
MAY 1, 2007
(ENGRAVING OF JACK)
U.S. ARMY - KOREA 1952 - 1953
JAYCEE VICE PRESIDENT - 1962 - PRESIDENT - 1963 - STATE DIRECTOR - 1964
DISTINGUISHED SERVICE AWARD - 1965
GOOD GOVERNMENT AWARD - 1980
MN POWER & LIGHT PRIVATE ENTERPRISE AWARD - 1980 (wrong year engraved - should be 1965)
GRAND RAPIDS FIRE DEPT. - 22 YEARS - 10 YEARS - FIRE CHIEF
FIRE AND RESCUE CHIEF - ITASCA COUNTY 1973-1983
FIRE WARDEN - 1971 TO PRESENT 44 YEARS
EMERGENCY MEDICAL TECHNICIAN
SUGAR HILLS SKI PATROL 10 YEARS
GRAND RAPIDS POLICE COMMISSION
AMERICAN LEGION - VETERAN OF FOREIGN WARS
CITIZEN OF THE YEAR 1998
MAYOR OF COHASSET 1993-1997
Inscription
CPL U.S. ARMY
KOREA
Gravesite Details
Monument is very large and in good condition.
