Kurt William Dowdle

Funeral services for Kurt Dowdle will be broadcast via Facebook Live on Monday, March 8, 2021 beginning at 11:00 AM MDT. To watch this service, please click on the link below.

Click HERE to view Funeral Services for Kurt Dowdle

Kurt William Dowdle completed his mortal journey on this Earth on February 27, 2021 and is free from the pain of his physical body.

Kurt was born and raised in Boise, Idaho on February 8, 1957, to his parents James Reed Dowdle and Patricia Ann Capener, in the St. Luke’s hospital. He was the fourth child of twelve children. Ten boisterous boys and two girls, the stories of his childhood are endless and humorous. He was raised on a farm where he was taught the value of hard work and discipline. He was a good student and, as his teachers would say, very social and talkative. True up until the day of his passing, Kurt could weave intricate stories and keep the attention of those around him with his artistic words, quick wit, and insatiable humor. Kurt was someone who rooted for the underdog and would defend the helpless until the end. He was fiercely loyal and had faith in the goodness of all people. He quickly found a way to bond with those he encountered because he thrived on connecting with others.

Kurt was raised as a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints in a fun-loving and spiritual home, becoming deeply converted to the teachings of the gospel of Jesus Christ as a young adult. His love for and belief in Christ was magnified by the way he lived and loved his fellow man. He believed that the greatest teaching from Christ was to ‘love one another’. He was blessed to share the good news of Christ’s restored gospel to the people of Reykjavik, Iceland in the Icelandic language.

After graduating from Borah High School in Boise, ID and serving his mission, he attended Rick’s College, where he received his Associate’s degree in Music and later graduated from the University of Utah with a Bachelor’s degree in Violin Performance. Kurt, being exceptionally talented, performed in many concert halls and was a member of several symphonies throughout his life. When asked, he enjoyed performing at every wedding, funeral, and church event. His playing is fondly remembered by all who were blessed to experience it.

Kurt was a serial optimist even when life was difficult for him. His indominable spirit was infectious and he genuinely loved to work. Even on days when he had nothing to do, he would say ‘I’ve got to get to work’! His engrained work ethic, talent at connecting with people, and ingenuity lead to many professional successes in his life. In his early years, he followed the spirit in his invention of Scripture Stickers, loving the ability to professionally develop and share his testimony in his career. In his later years, Kurt made his living as a writer having authored, co-authored, and ghostwritten several books. He loved expressing himself passionately through written words and we feel fortunate there is so much of him in this world.

He was a deeply sentimental and affectionate man, spending much of his time scheming and planning grand adventures he would take his many children on. If Kurt loved his children, that love knew no bounds when it came to his grandchildren! They had his whole heart and were his greatest joy in life. He would often say that his life’s wish was to live long enough to meet every one of his grandchildren that would ever come into this world. So, I guess these grandkids are all we get guys… ;)

Although his last years were wracked with trials, health issues, and emotional strife- he chose to see the life lessons, was on a continuous mission to self-mastery, and was always looking for ways to better himself. He was always very humble and teachable.

Kurt was never afraid to express his emotions. He loved to laugh and easily cried during movies and songs. He loved to create, and above all, he cherished spending time with his family. Kurt found light in his darkest times. He drew strength from his profound relationship with his Heavenly Father and absolute knowledge in the Atonement of Jesus Christ. His testimony and deep understanding of the Atonement was something to admire and became intensely apparent in his writing and in his day-to-day conversations. He fiercely believed in the Plan of Salvation, and there is great peace in knowing that he has gone home to the arms of his loving Father in Heaven to join his amazing Mother, son David Kurt Dowdle, Grandparents, and all those who have gone before him.

He looked for the deeper meaning of life. Peace and stability came in the form of his ten children by whom he is survived; Rachel (Daniel) Gunnell, Jessica (Robert) Michaelson, Michael (Shelly) Dowdle, Nicole (Grant) Keaton, Brittany Shepherd, Nathan Dowdle, Brooke (Jordan) Thompson, Heather Dowdle, Matthew (April) Dowdle, and Megan (Everett) Vetos, whom he shared with his former spouse of 25 years Lori Robbins.

His Grandchildren, his greatest legacy, will cherish the time given with their ‘black haired Grandpa’. They are; Savanna, Lilly, Jack, Emily, Lindsey, Willis, Ashlyn, Natalie, Hailey, Connor, Dean, Hattie, Callum, Shylee, Holly, and William.

He will also live on in the memory of his many loving siblings, father, extended family, and numerous friends.

“The pain of parting is nothing to the joy of meeting again,” -Charles Dickens

"Due to Covid, funeral services will be by invitation only but will be streamed live and can be viewed by clicking on the link that will be posted at the top of this page."