Charles Dowling Obituary

Charles E. "Chuck" Dowling, Jr., 88, of Escanaba, passed away on Saturday, July 12, 2025 at his home following a lengthy illness.
He was born on August 4, 1936 in Caro, MI, son to Charles Edward Dowling Sr. and Adelaide Maryette (O'Brien) Dowling. Chuck was raised and graduated High School in Caro, MI. In 1965, he earned his degree from Michigan State University and then a master's degree from Northern Michigan University.
On June 12, 1965, Chuck married Shirley Pietruck in lower Michigan.
Chuck began his career as a college professor at Baldwin Wallace University and Quincy College. In 1985, Chuck and Shirley relocated to Escanaba for him to become the librarian at the Escanaba High School library, retiring in 2002.
He enjoyed the outdoors, fishing, and woodworking. Chuck loved playing pinnacle and euchre with his siblings, coffee clutching with his friends daily, and reading. He was an avid Detroit Tigers fan but was an enthusiast for all sports.
Among survivors include his wife, Shirley of Escanaba; children, Chris Dowling, Michelle (Dale) Lingaur, Robert (Andrea) Dowling, Karen (Ken) Iler, Donna Dowling, and Mark Dowling; grandchildren, Kurtis, Jacob, Chad, Isabel, Emma, Jessy, Philipp, Alicia, Grace, Kelsey, and Michael; siblings, Bill (Kay) Dowling, Paul (Lucy) Dowling, Tom (Debbie) Dowling, and Joanne Sturm; and many nieces and nephews.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sons, Alan Dowling and Tom Dowling; sisters, Ann Dowling and Martha Schmidt; and brother-in-law, Keith Sturm.
Visitation will be on Monday, July 21st from 1 – 3 p.m. at the Crawford Funeral Home, 302 S. 13th St., Escanaba. The funeral service will follow at 3 p.m. with Deacon Mike LeBeau officiating.
A message of condolence may be directed to the family by visiting www.crawfordfuneralhomes.net. The family has entrusted the Crawford Funeral Homes to handle the arrangements.
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