Dean Dowson

Dean William Dowson, 85, of Gothenburg, Nebraska, passed away on July 31, 2025.

Dean was born in Oshkosh, Nebraska on February 24, 1940, the son of Minnie (Maxwell) and William Earl Dowson.

Dean graduated from Garden County High School in 1958, then went on to Kearney State College, earning a degree in Business.

Dean joined the US Air Force, and served until honorably discharged in 1961.

Dean married Patricia (Kleist) on March 14, 1961 at Oshkosh, Nebraska. They were married for 12 years and to this union a son and a daughter were born. After the couple divorced, Dean moved to Torrington, Wyoming and was subsequently remarried to Elizabeth (Greenly) in 1975.

Dean worked as a purchasing agent for Midwec in Oshkosh, and later as a salesman for Western Nebraska Express in Scottsbluff, before becoming a restauranteur, owning The Indian Grill (later renamed Deacon’s Restaurant) in Torrington, and Big John’s Barbecue Pit in Scottsbluff. After retiring, Dean worked for The Crossing Retreat Center church camp in Lexington, volunteered as a Christian financial adviser, and later Simplot Grower Solutions in Hershey.

In his younger years, Dean loved hunting, fishing and traveling. He spent a lot of time reading, especially the Bible, spending time daily in God’s Word. He enjoyed taking in the scenery during long rides in his car, and watching Husker volleyball.

Dean was a member of several churches throughout his life. A devout Christian, he went on several mission trips to different locales including Brazil, France, and Alaska.

Dean also enjoyed spending time with his children and grandchildren, frequently going with them to functions and vacations.

Remaining to cherish Dean’s memory are his two children, daughter Beth Cullan (Pete) of Gothenburg, and son Eric Dowson (Janet) of Great Bend, Kansas; 6 grandchildren, Amanda VanSkike (Todd), Amber Koch (Matt), Jessica Cullan (Doug), Alyssa LaPierre (Rob), Kristy Hammer (Derek) and Joel Cullan; 11 great-grandchildren, Gavin and Gentry VanSkike; Owen, Reece, Elliot and Meyer Koch; Charlotte Cullan; Rey, Maya, Adelyn and Henry LaPierre; and several nieces and nephews.

Preceding Dean in death are his parents, former wives Patricia Kleist and Elizabeth Greenly, his twin brother Dale, his older sisters Gertrude Archer, Goldie (Irene) Richter, and Ida Mae Brott, older brothers Marvin, and Lewis, and a nephew Richard Richter.

Internment and graveside funeral service will be held August 8, 2025 at 11:30, at Oshkosh Cemetery in Oshkosh, NE, with Brenda Tophoj officiating.

Memorial donations in Dean’s memory may be made to the American Heart Association or to the donor’s choice in care of Holechek-Bondegard Funeral Home in Oshkosh, NE.