Obituary of Douglas Edward Stowell

Douglas Edward Stowell was born on January 19, 1965, in Toledo, Ohio to James Ellsworth Stowell and Neva Arline (Thompson). As a young boy his mother married George Sutkaitis who raised Doug as his own. He graduated from Dundee High School with the Class of 1983. On May 5, 1984, Doug wed the love of his life, the former Brenda Connolly, at Grace Lutheran Church in Monroe, Michigan. The couple were blessed with a daughter and two sons. Doug was employed on the assembly line at Ford Motor Company for thirteen years before medically retiring.  

Doug enjoyed fishing in the River Raisin and Bird Lake in Hillsdale County. He knew his way around the kitchen and could always be relied on to whip up a delicious meal for his family. Doug especially looked forward to cooking for the holidays. He was also a talented cake decorator, a skill he learned from his mother. To say that Doug had a “green thumb” would be an understatement as he could cultivate the most beautiful flower gardens of Irises, Geraniums, Daffodils, and Hostas.  

Doug went all out to decorate his home for the holidays, especially Halloween and Christmas. A former member of the Jaycees in Dundee, he always created the best monster costume for their annual haunted house at the Old Mill. Doug loved to entertain children with his silly banter. He had a great hand in raising his grandson, Ryan. Doug had an artistic flair and enjoyed coloring in adult coloring books. He taught the kids shading techniques and, most importantly, to stay in the lines! Always a sharp dressed man, Doug loved to look his best.  

Douglas Edward Stowell, age 59, of Dundee, Michigan, passed away peacefully at his home on Saturday, June 29, 2024. His passing was preceded by his parents: George and Neva Sutkaitis and his brother: Robert Stowell.  

To cherish his memory, he leaves his wife of forty years: Brenda Stowell; three children: Breanna Joy (Nichole) Bell, Douglas Edward Stowell Jr. (Chelsea Flower), and Logan Matthew Stowell; his grandsons: Ryan Lee Firchau Jr., Sebastian Alex Sable, plus a baby boy expected soon to be named Douglas Edward Stowell III; three brothers: Bruce (Lisa) Thompson, William Stowell, and Timothy (Laura) Stowell; and canine companion: "Lila" an American Bully who was always at Doug’s side.  

Friends may gather on Tuesday, July 2, 2024 from 4:00pm to 6:00pm at Merkle Funeral Service, Dundee; 297 Tecumseh Street, Dundee, Michigan 48131 (734) 529-3156. A Celebration of Doug’s Life will begin at 6:00pm also at Merkle’s. Cremation will follow at Covenant Cremation of Erie, a division of Merkle Enterprises Inc.  

Online guests may leave words of comfort and inspiration or share a photo by visiting www.merklefs.com.