Philip L. Dowling

Philip L. Dowling

September 10, 1956 - January 18, 2022

Send Flowers

Obituary

MADISON - Philip Lee “Phil” Dowling, age 65, of Madison, passed away on Tuesday, Jan. 18, 2022, at UW Hospital surrounded by family. He was born on Sept. 10, 1956, in Madison, the son of Philip and Cecile (Schlough) Dowling.


Phil graduated from Monona Grove High School in 1974 and from MATC in 1976 with a degree in information technology (IT). His knowledge and skill set led him to owning his own business building, repairing and troubleshooting computers. Working for a number of local companies in IT, he rounded out his career over the last 16 years at American Family Insurance, starting as a consultant in IT and transitioned to data analytics.


Phil loved bowling. He served in a variety of capacities since 1978, from coaching, being a league officer, and a board member of the Madison Area and Wisconsin State USBC Associations. Most recently Phil was the president of the Madison Area USBC. His favorite “job” was working with youth bowlers. Phil had served more than 30 years as a coach in the Village Lanes Youth bowling program and spent over 12 years coaching the Monona Grove High School girls’ and boys’ bowling teams, with many of those years taking the teams to the state tournament.  He also volunteered many weekends helping with the operation of the Badgerland Youth Bowlers Tour (BYBT) and the local and state youth association tournaments. Phil was inducted into the Madison Area USBC Hall of Fame on Aug. 16, 2012.  While it took him a few years to get it done, he bowled his first 300 game in October 2019 at Village Lanes in Monona.

 

Phil was an avid sports fan. In addition to bowling, he enjoyed golfing, watching the Brewers, Badgers football and basketball and the St. Louis Cardinals. He enjoyed traveling and experiencing things unique to the destinations he was visiting.  Phil was a devoted supporter of the American Red Cross where he had donated over 15 gallons of blood during his lifetime.  He was a firm believer in giving back to the community and volunteered for many local agencies and events.

Philip is survived by his son, Brian Dowling; two daughters, Kimberly (Mark) Keehn and Tina Dowling; father, Philip; brother, Patrick (Joan) Dowling; and two nephews, Parker Dowling and Brogan Dowling. He was preceded in death by mother, Cecile.


A private service will be held. A future celebration of life will be scheduled at a later date.


In lieu of flowers, memorials may be gifted in Phil’s name to the American Red Cross or towards a youth bowler scholarship fund that will be established in his honor. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.


Gunderson East

Funeral & Cremation Care

5203 Monona Drive

(608) 221-5420






Events

There are no events for Philip yet.

Photos

Add photos
of Philip
No photos of Philip have been shared yet.

Memories

Add a memory of
Philip
WK
William Kelly
Other •
I was so saddened by the loss of Phil. I'll never forget the card games we played at Byrd's and Funk's. It was truly a joy. -- Bill Kelly
KG
Karen Gontarek
Other •
I was so saddened to see the news of Phil’s illness and recent passing. Phil and I shared the unique experience of working for many years at John Deere Financial, followed by almost two decades at American Family Insurance. Imagine my surprise when I saw Phil walking down the halls of the Amfam headquarters one day in 2005, several years after I’d joined the company. We had a wonderful time catching up. Whenever Phil talked with anyone, he was present and truly connected; a genuine friend. I’ll miss our wonderful chats. Sending my heartfelt condolences to Phil’s family.
MF
Mary Irwin Frank
Other •
I have many fond memories of a good and kind man that was always up for an adventure. He did so much, everything from planning our annual JDC cabin fever bowling events to an Elton John, Billy Joel concert in Milwaukee so many years ago. It was an honor to work with Phil, mostly to call him friend. Thanks for the memories my friend, you will be missed by so many. Thanks for everything. RIP
SE
Sheri Evans-Piper
Other •
I knew Phil since I have had a memory. He was the boy next door. Phil was smart, quick witted, funny and most of all kind. We had many adventures. He was a wonderful person. I’m grateful he was part my life. ❤️
TM
Tim McCumber
Other •
Phil was the guy every body knew and he was their friend. I'll miss going to Brewer games with him (especially the home opener), fantasy football, the NCAA tournament, and the nasty softball pitch he could drop in for a strike. God bless Phil and our prayers are with the whole family.
KN
Kevin Nies
Other •
Coach (my nickname for Phil) was always, always, always willing to help. He and I worked at John Deere Financial and played on the Company softball teams. He was a great friend who will be missed terribly.

Share memorial