Robert James Dow
May 14, 1932 - April 07, 2021
Obituary
Robert's Livestream Service will begin at 11 a.m. CT on Friday, April 16, 2021.
1. Scroll down to the Events, under the Livestream Service click on “Watch Event.”
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WAUNAKEE - Robert J. Dow, age 88, of Waunakee, passed away on Wednesday, April 7, 2021, surrounded by his family. He was born on May 14, 1932, in Laurium, Mich., the son of Frank and Johanna (Laru) Dow.
Robert graduated from Rockland High School and Detroit Bible College. He served in the U. S. Navy from 1951 to 1954. Robert served faithfully as a pastor for 55 years, retiring in 1998. During his ministry he served in at least eight churches, planted six, and pastored five. His efforts were a major factor in establishing the Christian radio station WRVM-FM, which is still transmitting from Suring, Wis. Robert became the State Missions Director for the Wisconsin Fellowship of Baptist Churches in 1971 and served in that capacity for almost four years. He held a master’s degree in counseling from Trinity Baptist Bible College and Seminary. He was active as a chaplain for the Madison Police Department for many years.
Robert is survived by his wife, Barbara of seven years; four sons, Dale (Janet) Dow, David (Carmelina Rivera) Dow, Jonathan (Kim) Dow and Brian (Karin) Dow; 10 grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents; his first wife, Mary E. Dow of 56 years; sister, Grace Pruce; and brother, Bill Dow.
A funeral service will be held at GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL AND CREMATION CARE, 5203 Monona Drive, Madison, at 11 a.m. on Friday, April 16, 2021. Family and friends who wish to view the service via LIVE STREAM may visit Robert’s obituary page at www.gundersonfh.com and click on the Live Webcast link at 11 a.m. on Friday Visitation will be held at the funeral home from 4 p.m. until 7 p.m. on Thursday, April 15, 2021, and also from 10 a.m. until the time of the service on Friday. Due to COVID-19 guidelines, only 50 people are allowed into the funeral home at one time. Social distancing and face masks will be required. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.
Gunderson East
Funeral & Cremation Care
5203 Monona Drive
(608) 221-5420
Events
Visitation
Thu Apr 15, 2021 @ 4:00 PM - 7:00 PM CDT
Gunderson East Funeral & Cremation Care • 5203 Monona Drive, Madison, WI 53716
Visitation
Fri Apr 16, 2021 @ 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM CDT
Gunderson East Funeral & Cremation Care • 5203 Monona Drive, Madison, WI 53716
Funeral Service
Fri Apr 16, 2021 @ 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM CDT
Gunderson East Funeral & Cremation Care • 5203 Monona Drive, Madison, WI 53716
Livestream
Fri Apr 16, 2021 @ 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM CDT
Lake Accotink Park • 5660 Hemming Ave, Springfield, VA 22151
Photos
No photos of Robert have been shared yet.
Memories
RS
Ronald W Housley Sr.
Other •
I remember Pastor Dow during his Church Planting years, his State Missionary years and his Pastorate years at Grace Baptist. My wife and I had the privilege of serving the Lord at Grace Baptist in variety of ministries under the leadership of Pastor Dow. I can still hear his words of guidance, his preaching messages, his singing, and his direction of the choir. Pastor Dow was a great blessing to all those that sat under his ministry and we will always thank the Lord for him. - Ron & Judy Housley Sr.
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Scott Kuntz
Other •
My sympathy to the family of Robert Dow. I’m so happy he is finally in Heaven. When he was my pastor at Grace Baptist in Madison, he treated my little girl Gretchen like she was the most important child he knew. She’s 29 now. Thank you Pastor Dow. I miss your sermons (bunny ears still make me laugh) Scott Kuntz
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Cindy, Steve, Austin and Nathan Carroll
Other •
We love you and we are praying for you at this time.
LS
Lila Spooner
Other •
I learned so much from Pastor Dow's preaching. He preached what I needed to hear. He always did what he said he would do. He also did repairs on my car. There was one time I had my tire stolen off my car and Pastor repaired it when I was at work. I could call on him whenever I needed help. Pastor and his wife were very dear friends of mine. I stayed with Jon and Brian when they were out of town. I remember Pastor snapping his fingers to get the boys attention. All great memories. With heartfelt sympathy to the family. Lila Spooner
TC
Tim Colson
Other •
My Condolences to the Dow family at the loss of both father and grandfather - on the other hand, if we even knew 1/10th of the magnificence of eternity and Heaven our emotions might switch from sorrow to envy - I only knew David, a friend, classmate at pillsbury and a workmate at Braemar Computer, but reading your dads obituary, his history and career serving the Lord, I imagine he is rejoicing even now in the presence of his Creator.
PW
Peggy Winkler
Other •
A beautiful life lived for the Lord! Most grateful to have been blessed with his Pastor/Sheparding for so many years at Grace Baptist! It has been my honor to sit under his sound teaching, his loving example, his kind and truthful counsel. He will be missed, but his person and wisdom will be well remembered! Thankful now as he rejoices with his Savior Jesus Christ! Peggy Winkler