Fern Glee Cassel Dowling

Fern Glee Cassel Dowling

Sept. 28, 1918 - Oct. 17, 2014

McCOOK, Neb. -- Fern Glee Cassel Dowling passed away on Oct. 17, 2014, at the Hillcrest Nursing Home in McCook.

She was born in McCook, Nebraska, on Sept. 28, 1918, to James and Maude Merla (McCormick) Cassel. She lived her entire life in McCook and attended the McCook Public Schools. She was a member of the 1936 McCook High School graduating class. She married Russell Dowling on Sep. 5, 1936, in Oberlin, Kansas. She completed her GED and received her high school diploma. She was a member of First Congregational Church, Where she took an active part in various ministries including home Bible studies. She took part in PTA activities. Fern was the Troop Leader for Brownies, Girl Scouts and Cub Scout organizations.

Fern was president of Burlington Railroaders Wives Organization; a member of the Easter Lily Lodge, AARP Chapter No. 1436; and the Burlington Veteran's Auxiliary, holding many offices in those organizations.

She was the first woman in McCook to receive her aviation pilot's license. She also received many trophies for bowling and golf. She worked at the Red Willow County Election Board for several years. The most important decision in her life was to follow Jesus Christ and His ways that are taught in the Bible, which she shared with her family.

Preceding her in death were her parents and all her brothers, Roy, Eddie, Jimmy, Jack, Harold and Boe; and sisters, Adeline, Hazel, Mabel, Edna.

Survivors include her husband, Russell of McCook; two daughters, Sharon and husband, Jerry Felker of McCook and Carroll and husband, Warren Barnell of Lincoln; son, Roger and wife, Maureen Dowling of Sequim, Washington; 15 grandchildren; 43 great-grandchildren; and five great-great-grandchildren.

Funeral service will be at First Congregational Church in McCook on Tuesday, Oct. 21, 2014, at 10:30 a.m. with Pastor Steve Bales officiating. Interment will be in Memorial Park Cemetery.

Friends may leave on-line condolences at herrmannfh.com.

Visitation is today until 7 p.m. at the Herrmann-Jones Funeral Chapel. Memorials may be left in Fern's name at the Herrmann-Jones Funeral Chapel.

Herrmann-Jones Funeral Chapel is in charge of arrnagements.