Daniel Dean Dowler

Daniel Dean Dowler

Johnston

Daniel Dean Dowler, known to his closest friends and family as Opie or Unkie Dan, passed away at the age of 57 on June 14th at UnityPoint Health – Iowa Methodist Medical Center in Des Moines, Iowa. Dan battled multiple medical complications associated with diabetes for many years and he did so with an ever-present smile on his face and humorous personality. A Celebration of Life will be held at McLarens Funeral Chapel 801 19th St in West Des Moines at 1:00 PM on August 24th followed by a reception to share some light snacks and memories. A private gravesite ceremony will be held immediately after.

Dan was born on August 31st, 1966, in Des Moines, Iowa to Charles D. Dowler and Peggy L. (Young) Dowler and grew up in Norwalk. Dan graduated from Norwalk High School and received a degree in Culinary Arts from DMACC. He managed restaurants in Des Moines, Council Bluffs and Mason City, Iowa. Dan then spent several years in Cedar Rapids working in telecommunications and building lasting relationships with many of the people he met along the way. Dan’s health complications finally became too difficult, and he returned to Norwalk. After the passing of his parents, Dan moved to Johnston, Iowa. Dan was an avid and loyal L.A. Dodgers and Dallas Cowboys fan. He enjoyed Professional Wrestling, attending live events when possible. He was a favorite at the annual family summer reunion in Clear Lake where he was always the prankster. Dan handled his multiple medical issues with grace, humor and always put others needs ahead of his own. Dan and his dog, Dallas, were inseparable.

Survivors include Debra (sister) and Larry Covington (Brother-in-law); Nick (Nephew) and Kendra Covington; Alex (Nephew) and Megan Covington; Sarah Covington (Niece) and her significant other, Damian Zepeda. “Unkie Dan” was beloved by his great nieces Evelynn and Lydia Covington and great nephews Charlie and Henry Covington; Uncle Jack (John) and Nancy Young; Ann Newbury (Aunt); Naomi Young (Aunt); and many cousins.

Dan was preceded in death by his father Charles D. Dowler and his mother Peggy L. Dowler; Grandparents Kenneth and Clarine Young; John and Mariam Brown; Clark Dowler.

We would like to give special recognition to his “brother” in friendship, Dave Bogs of North Liberty, Iowa. Our thanks and gratitude to the many medical specialists who helped Dan over the years, especially the CCU team of Physicians and Nurses who worked tirelessly to save Dan in the last few weeks of his life at Iowa Methodist Medical center.

In lieu of flowers, if you are so inclined we would appreciate donations to the American Diabetes Association. Link here: https://diabetes.org/