Kathleen Ann Dowling

Kathleen Ann Dowling of Spartanburg, SC passed away on Sunday, September 13, 2026 at the age of 73. She was born in Perry, IA to the late Axel and Vivian Olson Johnson.

Kathy grew up on a farm in Woodward, Iowa, where she learned early the values of hard work, generosity, and community that would define her life. A proud member of the Woodward-Granger High School Class of 1971, she graduated as valedictorian before going on to earn her bachelor’s degree in nursing from the University of Iowa.

After college, Kathy moved to Minneapolis, where she met Charlie, the love of her life. They were married in 1977 and began a life filled with love, adventure, and laughter. Charlie’s career eventually took them across the country to California, where Kathy worked as a nurse with DaVita Dialysis for more than 20 years. It was also in California that they welcomed their greatest blessing, their daughter, Kara.

After Kathy’s retirement, the family moved to Spartanburg in 2007. There, Kathy became a dedicated member of the Unitarian Universalist Church of Spartanburg, finding a community that reflected her commitment to connection, compassion, and service.

Kathy was a woman who gave generously of herself. She especially loved volunteering and found a special way to combine her creativity with her love of animals by knitting bandanas for the Spartanburg Humane Society.

But perhaps Kathy will be remembered most for the joy she brought wherever she went. She was truly the life of the party, armed with a wonderful sense of humor that made her a natural jokester. She loved to plan parties and events, decorate, and create occasions that gave people a reason to gather and have fun. In Oak Creek Plantation, Kathy became a beloved organizer of community celebrations and activities. From children’s fishing contests to golf cart parades, she had a knack for turning ordinary days into memorable ones.

Kathy is survived by her beloved daughter, Kara Dowling of Spartanburg, SC, and siblings, Joyce Roemer of Breezy Point, MN, David Ackerlund (Sherry) of Minburn, IA, and Gayle Gustafson (Art) of Des Moines, IA. She was predeceased by her husband, Charlie Dowling, in 2025.

The family will have a celebration of Kathy's life at 3:00 PM on Friday, September 18, 2026 in the Unitarian Universalist Church of Spartanburg, with a reception to follow.