Conrad R. Dowel

Conrad Richard Dowel, age 85, of Northville, formerly of Westland, passed away on April 4, 2017. He was born in Hamtramck, Michigan on October 30, 1931; son of Stanley and Joanne (nee Mendleski) Podolski. Connie, as his friends called him, proudly served in the United States Army during the Korean War. During his time with the Army he served as both a medic and a Ranger (paratrooper). He was honorably discharged as a Corporal in 1953. In 2011 Connie was awarded the Purple Heart during the 4th of July parade in Northville where he served at the Grand Marshall. He received his undergraduate degrees from the University of Michigan, Michigan State University, and Lawrence Tech. He continued education and received two Doctorate degrees from Wayne State University; a PhD in Child Psychology and a PhD in Special Education. He began a career as a Child Psychologist in a private practice. Connie chose to become a Special Education Teacher with the Clarenceville School District; working in the school for 27 years.After serving in the US Army Connie served as a Capuchin Monk. He was a man of many talents and excelled in everything he tried. He had his Black Belt in Karate, he was an experienced sharpshooter, and was a semi-pro racquetball player. Connie enjoyed woodworking, playing chess, and completing Sudoku puzzles. He also loved nature and animals. Connie was known as an honorable, loyal, and brilliant man. He was a gentle and compassionate husband, father, and grandfather. Connie is survived by his wife of 55 years, Barbara “Bobbie” Dowel; his daughter Gretchen (Kevin) Groeb; his son-in-law Joe Adams; his sister Toni Rauhib; his brother Arthur (Evelyn) Dowel; his sister-in-law Pat Podolski; his grandchildren, Dietrich Heil, Carly Adams, Hazen (Kyli) Ripple, and Paige Adams; and his great granddaughter Bella Ripple. He was preceded in death by his daughter Whitney Adams, his parents, and his brother Richard “Dick” Podolski. Visitation will be held Friday, April 7, 2017 from 2pm until 8pm with a Rosary at 7pm. A funeral service will be held Saturday, April 8, 2017 at 10am at Casterline Funeral Home, 122 West Dunlap, Northville.  Father Jack Baker with St. Perpetua Parish will officiate the service and Military Honors will be rendered at the funeral home. Mr. Dowel will be laid to rest at Great Lakes National Cemetery in Holly.  Memorial contributions would be appreciated to Angela Hospice, 14100 Newburgh Road, Livonia, MI 48154, Capuchin Soup Kitchen, Development Office, 1820 Mount Elliott Street, Detroit, MI 48207, or the Michigan Humane Society, 30300 Telegraph Road, Suite 220, Bingham Farms, MI 48025.