Duane J. Dowd

Duane J. Dowd

October 18, 1941-October 27, 2023

It is with great sadness that we share the passing of Duane Joseph Dowd, age 82, on October 27, 2023. He was preceded in death by Frances Taylor Dowd, his loving wife of 56 years; his father, Leo J. Dowd; and mother, Eileen P. Dowd. He is survived by his children: Kelley Curley (Greg), Matthew Dowd (Mary), and Meghan Schlattmann (Brian); ten grandchildren: Frances, Gregory and Daniel Curley, Patrick, Maggie, Kate and Timothy Dowd, Milo, Elizabeth, and Evelyn Schlattmann; siblings: Deanna Dowd, Larry Dowd (JoAnn), Coni Dowd-Molvig (Charlie), Michael Dowd (Marilyn), Colleen Hall (Thomas) and Noreen Shaughnessy (Terry); and numerous loved family members.

Duane was born on October 18, 1941, in Columbus, NE to Leo J. Dowd and Eileen (O’Malley) Dowd. He was raised in Schuyler, NE and attended Schuyler High School, graduating in 1959. He attended Creighton University and Creighton University School of Law, graduating with a J.D. in 1965.

Duane was a successful attorney, real estate investor and developer, making many cherished relationships throughout his working career.

Along with his family, Duane was a long-time parishioner at Saint Margaret Mary Church. He was deeply committed to Catholic Education, including Saint Margaret Mary’s School, Duchesne Academy of the Sacred Heart, Creighton Preparatory School, and Creighton University. Duane was supportive of the great work being done by CUES and the Jesuit Academy.

Duane had several passions. He learned to fly when he was young and even participated in some aerobatic shows. His favorite time in the air was spent with family on annual flights to the East Coast. Duane was an avid supporter of Creighton University Athletics; he loved and valued the friendships he made through the basketball and soccer communities at Creighton. Duane began attending basketball games in the 50’s, and rarely missed a game, home or away.  He often combined his love of flying and Creighton Athletics by flying friends and family to games around the country. He truly may have been Creighton’s biggest fan (even through the Rick Johnson era).

Duane loved family above all else. He cherished the time he spent with his siblings and extended family.  Da’s greatest passion was the time he spent with his wife, children, and especially his grandchildren. He loved traveling with family, particularly time spent on Nantucket and on Lake Okoboji, and visiting his daughter Kelley’s family in New York.

Duane was brilliant, kind, generous, and honest. He has now been reunited with his bride, Frances, whom he loved dearly till his death. He will be greatly missed.

VISITATION: Thursday, November 2, 2023, 5-7 p.m., at the West Center Chapel, followed by a VIGIL SERVICE: at 7 p.m. MASS OF CHRISTIAN BURIAL: Friday, November 3, 2023, 10 a.m., St. Margaret Mary Catholic Church, 6116 Dodge St. INTERMENT: Forest Lawn Cemetery.  Memorials are suggested to CUES, Duchesne Academy, Lauritzen Gardens, Jesuit Academy, Nebraska Children’s Home Society, or to the Nebraska Humane Society. To view a live broadcast of the Service, please go to www.heafeyheafey.com and click the “Live Cast” button at the top of the home page.