John Richard Dowling

John Richard Dowling, age 71, of Madison, Wisconsin, passed away on October 9, 2025 from complications of Lewy body dementia after courageously living with cancer for 20 years. He was born on September 10, 1954 in Madison to Leroy James and Rosemary (Morrell) Dowling.

John attended Our Lady Queen of Peace School, Van Hise Junior High, Madison West High School, and Madison Area Technical College before enlisting in the U.S. Navy. He proudly served repairing F-14 Tomcats aboard the USS Kitty Hawk until an honorable medical discharge. He later built a long career as a mail carrier with the United States Postal Service, where he became well-known for the jokes he shared with the Monroe and Regent Street businesses along his route. In retirement, he continued to serve his community as a dedicated school crossing guard at Thoreau and Leopold Elementary Schools.

John’s life was shaped by devotion to family, a strong work ethic, and a playful, goofy spirit that brightened the lives of all who knew him. He loved classic cars and military history, and he was a talented woodworker. He cherished his wife, Karen (Frank) Dowling, and was a loving father to Elisabeth (Benson) Kong.

John is further survived by his siblings James (Denice) Dowling, George (Jane) Dowling, and Mary Dungan, along with many extended family members and friends who will miss his humor and warmth. He was preceded in death by his parents, brother Robert Dowling, and two unborn granddaughters.

Visitation will be held on Saturday, October 18, 2025, at Cress Funeral Home, 3610 Speedway Rd., Madison, Wisconsin, beginning at 9:30 a.m., followed by a memorial service at 10:30 a.m. Burial will take place at Resurrection Cemetery.

The family would like to extend their gratitude to the staff at SSM Health Cancer Care, especially Drs. Roy Kim and Ryan Porter, for their excellent care of John for many years, as well as Agrace Inpatient Unit staff and his RN case manager Tim, for their compassionate care of John in his final days.

John will be remembered with love for his unwavering dedication to family, his service to his country and community, and the joy and laughter he brought to those around him.

Cress Funeral & Cremation Service

3610 Speedway Road, Madison

(608) 238-3434