MONONA - Philip “Phil” Dowling, age 94, passed away on Friday, June 6, 2025. He was born on November 5, 1930, in Madison, the son of Leroy and Regina (Rupp) Dowling.

Phil graduated from Madison Central High School in 1948. He then proudly served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War from 1948-1952. Following his years of service, he returned to Madison and continued his studies at UW-Madison, earning a bachelor’s degree in history and his master’s degree in curriculum. He was united in marriage to Cecile Schlough on April 18, 1953, in Lone Rock, Wis. They made Monona their home and raised their two sons there.

At Monona Grove High School, Phil worked as a social studies teacher and was the audio-visual coordinator. He also was involved with the Chain Gang on the football team, refereed the Long Jump during the track and field season and scouted for the basketball team. He was on the negotiating team and was the Teachers’ Union president for many years.

Phil was an active member of Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church and in the ‘80s was the parish council president.

Phil was a huge Badgers Basketball fan and also enjoyed attending football games. Cecile and Phil would travel with the Booster Club to support the Badgers.

Phil is survived by his son, Patrick "Pat" (Joan) Dowling; and grandchildren, Brian Dowling, Kimberly (Nicholas Schmidt) Dowling, Tina Dowling, Parker Dowling and Brogan Dowling. He was preceded in death by his wife, Cecile Dowling; son, Philip Lee Dowling; parents, Regina and Leroy; brothers, Donald Dowling and Leroy “L.J.” Dowling; and sisters-in-law, Suzanne Dowling, Herta Abesser, Rosemary Dowling and Helen Dowling.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at IMMACULATE HEART OF MARY CATHOLIC CHURCH, 5101 Schofield St., Monona, at 12 noon on Saturday, June 28, 2025, with Father Chad Droessler presiding. Burial will follow at Roselawn Memorial Park with Military Honors. Visitation will be held at the church from 11 a.m. until the time of the Mass on Saturday, June 28, 2025.

Memorials may be made to the Monona Public Library, Immaculate Heart of Mary Endowment Fund or Friends of San Damiano.

Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.

Gunderson East
Funeral & Cremation Care
5203 Monona Drive
(608) 221-5420

Philip Dowling

November 05, 1930 - June 06, 2025

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