In Memoriam: Pastor William "Bill" Dowling

We give thanks to God for the life and ministry of Pastor William L. “Bill” Dowling, who died on March 31, 2026, at the age of 91.

A service of thanksgiving for Pastor Dowling’s life will be held Friday, April 17 at 2:00 p.m. at Lord of Life Lutheran Church, 13724 W. Meeker Blvd., Sun City West, AZ. A light reception will follow, and the service will be livestreamed here.

We commend Pastor Dowling to God’s eternal care, trusting in the promise of resurrection through Jesus Christ. As Scripture reminds us, “whether we live or whether we die, we are the Lord’s” (Romans 14:8).

The Reverend William L. Dowling entered the church triumphant surrounded by his family. Born November 21, 1934, in Rockford, Illinois, he was the only child of Charles W. and Frances (Barker) Dowling. He attended Midland College in Fremont, Nebraska, and graduated from San Diego State University.

On August 12, 1956, he married Barbara Hueske at First St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Hastings, Nebraska. Following their wedding, Bill and Barbara began a life of shared vocation, traveling to Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary, where he completed his divinity degree.

Pastor Dowling served faithfully across multiple congregations, including as founding pastor of Shepherd of the Valley Lutheran Church in Merced, California, and Christ the King Lutheran Church in Tahoe City, California. He also served Lutheran Church in the Foothills (La Cañada, CA), Lutheran Church of the Master (Lancaster, CA), and Grace Lutheran Church in Phoenix, Arizona.

A pastor deeply devoted to his parishioners, he presided over countless baptisms, weddings, and funerals. He was known for his faithful visits to shut-ins, his service as a volunteer chaplain at Tahoe Forest Hospital, and his participation in the convocation at California Lutheran University. He supported ministries feeding the hungry in downtown Phoenix, the work of Lutheran Social Services, and ELCA Good Gifts to sustain families around the world.

While his pastoral ministry was wide-reaching, his deepest vocation was within his family. He and Barbara raised three daughters—Victoria, Kimberly, and Jennifer—and he delighted in his five grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his wife Barbara and his parents, and is survived by his daughters, grandchildren, and many extended family members, parishioners, and friends.

Pastor Dowling also served Grace Lutheran Church in Phoenix during the 1980s, where his leadership and care shaped the life of the congregation. We give thanks for his faithful witness among us.

In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to Lord of Life Lutheran Church, Noble Hospice, or a charitable organization of your choice.

Those wishing to send condolences may contact the Grand Canyon Synod office for mailing information or share messages online.

Please keep Pastor Dowling’s family—especially his daughter Victoria—and all who mourn in your prayers. As Psalm 46 reminds us, “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.”

In the sure and certain hope of the resurrection, we give thanks for Pastor Dowling’s life and commend him to God’s everlasting care.