Harry J. Dowd

SAGINAW, Mich. - Harry J, Dowd, 82, of Saginaw, passed away on Saturday, Aug. 29, 2015, at his home.

Harry Joseph Dowd Jr. was born on June 2, 1933, in Saginaw to the late Harry J. Sr. and Ruth Marie (Miller) Dowd. He married Shirley Ann Christensen at St. Andrew Catholic Church in Saginaw; she preceded him in death on June 14, 2013.

Harry graduated from St. Andrew's Catholic High School. He would then serve the U.S. Army as an infantryman. Upon his honorable discharge, he earned his master's degree in education and worked as an elementary school teacher and a special education teacher. While teaching, he and Shirley owned the Black River Inn in Bessemer, and they were also part of the Gogebic County Search and Rescue.

In his spare time, he loved to sail, camp and travel. Harry and Shirley were very proud that they had visited every national park in the States. He loved people and people loved him back. More than anything, he loved his family.

Surviving are a son, Kevin Dowd; four daughters, Debrah Willey, Theresa (Robert) Dowd-Gross, Mary (Joseph) Merz and Colleen (Greg) Sheeley; five grandchildren, Opal Ellison, Joe (Penny) Merz, Victoria Merz, Danielle Machesky and Devin Gross; two great-granddaughters, McKenzie Merz and Natalie Merz; one sister, Ruth Ann Butler; two brothers-in-law, Jerry (Barb) Christensen and Larry (Barb) Christensen; and many other family members and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; wife of 59 years, Shirley; sister, Kathleen Haley; and son-in-law, Dan Willey.

Funeral liturgy will take place at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, Sept. 4, at St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church in Saginaw. Rev. Father Richard Bokinskie will officiate. Military Honors will directly follow Mass and take place under the auspices of the VFW Post 1859 and the U.S. Army. Rite of Committal will follow in Mt. Olivet Cemetery. Cremation has taken place.

Friends are welcome to visit at Deisler Funeral Home on Thursday, Sept. 3, from 4-8 p.m. and at the church on Friday, from 9:30 a.m. until the time of Mass at 10:30 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to consider memorials to the American Stroke Association. Please share your thoughts and memories with the family at the funeral home, church or through deislerfuneralhome.com.