William Roger Dowse

William Roger Dowse, age 89, of Chatfield, passed away at his home on Thursday, May 16, 2024, surrounded by his family. 

William Roger Dowse was born on October 7, 1934, the son of Roger and Elbina (Dube) Dowse in Colebrook, New Hampshire. He attended Colebrook Academy for his early education and graduated from Colebrook High School in 1951 and continued his education at Pima Community College (Tucson, AZ), receiving a bachelor’s degree.

Bill entered the United States Air Force and served his country during the Korean and Vietnam conflicts from 1951-1979, reaching the rank of E9 Chief Master Sergeant. Bill was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for heroism while serving as a crew member on an AC47 Spooky gunship in Vietnam. He was instrumental in saving the lives of troops in combat, suffering severe injuries in the action.

Bill’s other awards include three Air Medals, the Outstanding Unit Award, three Gallant Unit Citations, two National Defense Service Medals, the Korean Service Medal, the Vietnam Service Medal, the United Nations Service Medal, the Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross, the Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, and the Republic of Korea Korean War Service Medal.

Bill was united in marriage to Elisabeth Lucia Mohr on December 1, 1962, in Trier, Germany. The couple started a family and enjoyed many homes all over the country in their 62 years of marriage. Following his distinguished Air Force career, he worked as a developer for IBM for 20 years. Bill and Elisabeth made their home in Tucson, AZ after retirement from the Air Force and moved to the Chatfield area in 1989.  

Bill was a member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Chatfield. He loved time with his family and puttering in the yard. He had a deep love for Elisabeth, his children, grandson, and all his beloved pets. 

Bill is lovingly survived by his wife Elisabeth of Chatfield, his children Catherine of Chatfield and Robert (Cheryl) of Rochester. He is further survived by his grandson Morgan Dowse and his two siblings Peter Dowse and Patsy (Dowse)Marchesseault. 

He was preceded in death by his parents, his eldest son RogerDowse, and one brother-in-law Paul Marchesseault.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Wednesday, May 22, 2024 at 11:00 a.m. at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Chatfield with Father Edward McGrath officiating. Visitation will be held one hour prior to services at the church. Burial will follow in the Minnesota State Veterans Cemetery in Preston with full military honors at 2:00 p.m. 

Hoff (formerly Riley) Funeral Home of Chatfield is assisting the family with arrangements. Condolences and memories can be left for the family at www.hofffuneral.com