Robert D. Dowiasch

Robert   “Rob” Daniel Dowiasch, 59, of Onalaska, Wis., died Friday, August 18^th, 2017, in Gundersen Health Care, La Crosse, Wis. He was born in Viroqua, Wis., on July 19, 1958, to Sylvester and LeIlah (Kerska) Dowiasch. He married Christine Hess on June 9^th, 1979, in St Joseph Ridge Catholic Church, St Joseph’s Ridge.

Robert was a man of “Faith, Family, and Friends”.  Rob was a strong man with a powering presence (and mustache).  He also was a compassionate man who believed in serving others.  Rob loved his family very dearly.  His passion for hard work was well established as a dairy farmer. He became a “Jack of all Trades” and shared his advice, creativity, blood sweat and tears with anyone needing his talents.  He was a master fabricator and welder, mechanic, and landscaper.  He was even a natural therapist and Mentor, offering fatherly and brotherly advice for his children and siblings and others in need. Rob cherished his volunteer time at the Guadalupe Shrine.   He recently became a member of the American Legion Post 336 in Onalaska.  If Rob wasn’t busy helping his family or friends, you could always find him “meditating” on his mower cutting the “lawn”.  He loved riding his Harley Davidson with friends.  Rob was certainly in his element hosting family gatherings at their home.  From Christmas and Thanksgiving dinners to campfires in the back yard…all were always welcome and never left hungry.  Rob and Chris were quite the tandem preparing their home and food.  They certainly enjoyed cooking for everyone.  Sharing his ‘famous’ pickles with all.  His children and grandchildren were his Pride and Joy.  Rob’s physical heart may have stopped beating, but his loving heart lives on in all of the people he touched.  He certainly will be missed.

He is survived by his wife of 38 years; Christine; his children; Children; Melissa Dowiasch, Robert Jr. (Erica Schwanke), Dowiasch, Jenna Dowiasch with grandsons Vaden and Julian, and Laura (Ben) Miller with grandson Bowman. His parents; Sylvester and LeIlah Dowiasch; He is further survived by his brothers; Kenneth (Rosalyn), David, and Arlan (Jean), and sisters; Deborah (Earl) Heinisch and Mari  (Rodney) Larson.

He was preceded in death by his sister, Geraldine Dowiasch; Mother-in-law, Therese Hess; and nephews Adam and Tony Bahr.

A funeral Mass will be held at 11:00 AM Tuesday, August 22, 2017, at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, W2601 HWY 33 St. Joseph’s Ridge. Msgr. Steven Kachel will officiate, with burial to be held in the Church Cemetery in St. Joseph’s Ridge.  Friends and Family may visit at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm on Monday, August 21, 2017, with Rosary at 3:00 PM to be led by Msgr. Robert Hundt at the church.  Friends and Family may also visit from 10:00 AM until the time of Mass on Tuesday.

Memorials are preferred in lieu of flowers to The Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe.