Joel Marlon Dow, affectionately known to many as ‘Rusty Water,’ peacefully transitioned to his heavenly home on February 26, 2025. During the last few months of his life, Joel often spoke of and looked forward to being reunited with his beloved daughter, Kimberly.
Joel was born on April 18, 1952, to Ellsworth and Betty Dow in La Crosse, WI. He was baptized and confirmed at the Mindoro Lutheran Church and grew up in Burns Valley. Joel attended Bangor High School, graduating in 1970, and then pursued his education at Western Technical College, where he graduated in 1972 with a degree in Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration.
In May of 1970, while working at Mert’s gas station, Joel met his future wife and the love of his life, Linda (Oesterle). They married on June 24, 1972, and together they had two children: Kimberly and Jason.
Shortly after getting married, Joel embarked on a career spanning over 41 years at Trane Company in La Crosse, WI, working in the R&D Laboratory. There, he formed many lifelong friendships and was highly respected and admired by his coworkers and the engineering staff for his exceptional talents, innate attention to detail, and forward-thinking approach. Joel’s motto, “do it right the first time,” reflected his commitment to excellence. He often revisited projects, both at work and at home, to ensure they met his high standards.
Joel is survived by his wife of 53 years, Linda; his son, Jason (Naomi); son-in-law, Chris Riley; grandchildren, McKenna and Brandon Riley, and Kylie Dow. He is also survived by his uncle, Robert Olson, sisters-in-law, Jean Dow, Lorraine Thillen, Alys Oesterle, Sandra Oesterle, and Virginia Oesterle; brothers-in-law, Al (Dorothy) Oesterle, Harold (Lori) Oesterle, and LaVern (Bobbi) Oesterle; special friends, Fred and Vicki Tauscher; and his Lake Winnie fishing buddies.
He was preceded in death by his cherished daughter, Kimberly Riley; his parents, Ellsworth and Betty; parents-in-law, Alvin and Nellie Oesterle; brothers, Boyd and Darrel; infant sister, Bonnie; and special friend, Randy ‘RB” Boylan.
Joel had a profound love for the outdoors, enjoying activities such as deer hunting, fishing for lunker walleye on Big Winnie, making fishing lures, and driving his Mustang—often remarking that he wanted to be buried in that car. He took meticulous care of his vehicles and boat, always ensuring they were in showroom condition. After once asking Linda to help wax the truck and handing her a toothbrush for the fine work, he quickly realized that cleaning the vehicles would remain his task.
Joel also had a passion for woodworking, creating picture frames, keepsakes, award shelves for his children and grandchildren, and even a scaled, functioning lighthouse. His ability to fix, repair, and build just about anything, often improving upon the original, was a testament to his perfectionist nature.
Joel will always be remembered as a loving husband, father, and grandfather. His pleasant personality allowed him to make many lifelong friends, both at work and socially. He had a smile and blue eyes that could light up a room and brighten any mood simply by being there. He will be dearly missed by everyone who knew him.
The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to Gundersen Hospice and the staff at Lakeview Health Center’s “Cedar Lane” for the exceptional and compassionate care they provided to Joel.
A Christian Memorial Service will be held at 11:00 a.m., on Monday, March 17, 2025, at St. Paul’s Ev. Lutheran Church in Bangor. Rev. Brock Groth will officiate. A visitation will be held from 9:00 a.m., until the time of service, March 17th, at the church.
Fredrickson Funeral Homes and Crematory, Bangor Chapel, is in charge of arrangements.
A complete obituary may be found and expressions of sympathy may be offered at www.FredricksonFuneralHomes.com
Fredrickson Funeral Homes and Crematory
