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Obituaries » Darlene K. Dowd

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August 19, 1944 - April 23, 2023

A memorial service to celebrate her life will take place on Friday, May 19, 2023, at 1:00 PM at Joldersma & Klein Funeral Home. Visitation will be held at the funeral home one hour prior to the service. Memorial contributions in Darlene’s memory may be given to Centrica Care Navigators Hospice.

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DOWD, Darlene K.
Kalamazoo
Formerly of Traverse City & Muskegon
Age 78, passed away on Sunday, April 23, 2023. Darlene was born in Muskegon, Michigan, on August 19, 1944, the daughter of the late Walter and Pauline (Paulsen) Witt. She graduated from Muskegon High School and attended Muskegon Community College. Darlene worked in the accounts payable department at Neway Lear Siegler and retired in 1985. On October 20, 1984, she married Lawrence F. Dowd, who survives. Together, Darlene and Larry enjoyed a humorous, joy-filled marriage. They loved to travel and took a total of 54 trips during their 38 years of marriage. Even so, Larry often would ask, “why don’t we ever go anywhere?”, in which Darlene would reply, “Oh, we never go anywhere? Ok, let me make you a list!” (Darlene was always making lists!). She also had the memory of an elephant, never forgetting anything (just ask Larry!). Darlene loved cats, Cherry Coke, and her grandchildren, not necessarily in that order. Darlene was an avid University of Michigan Fan and eagerly looked forward to college football season. She never missed a U of M game and often would watch the games again in replay. Besides her husband, Darlene is survived by her step-children, Larry (Nancy) Dowd, Susan (John) Hagenbarth and Jeffrey (Karen) Dowd; grandchildren, Troy Dowd, Zachary Dowd, Brendan Dowd, Rachael Gotstein, Bryan Hagenbarth, Brenna Hagenbarth, Scott Hagenbarth and Marcia Hune; six great-grandchildren; sisters, Diane (Phillip) Ludwall and Marcie (Douglas Coles) Ferris; and several nieces, nephews, and cousins. In addition to her parents, Darlene was preceded in death by many beloved aunts and uncles, including special uncle and aunt, Max and Mickey Paulsen. A memorial service to celebrate her life will take place on Friday, May 19, 2023, at 1:00 PM at Joldersma & Klein Funeral Home. Visitation will be held at the funeral home one hour prior to the service. Memorial contributions in Darlene’s memory may be given to Centrica Care Navigators Hospice.