MSgt. William Matthew Dowling, USAF

William Matthew Dowling, devoted husband, proud father, and dedicated serviceman, was called home by his Lord and Savior on Thursday, April 9, 2026, at the age of 43. Born on December 20, 1982, in Green Bay, Wisconsin, he grew up in Lena, Wisconsin. William lived a life defined by love, service, and unwavering commitment to those he held dear.

William proudly served his country in the United States Air Force for over 18 and a half years. His service reflected his deep sense of duty, honor, and patriotism. He attended Crown College before answering the call to serve, embarking on a career that would shape not only his life, but the lives of many around him.

Above all, William was a family man. He was the beloved husband of Nicole Dowling, the love of his life, whom he married on January 6, 2026. Together they shared a bond filled with love, laughter, and deep devotion.

He was a loving father to Dominick, Makayla, and Liliana, and a proud bonus dad to Brayden and Brayleigh Ertel. William’s children were the center of his world, and he cherished every moment spent guiding, supporting, and loving them.

In addition to his children and bonus children, William is survived by his wife, Nicole Dowling; parents, George and Jane Dowling; his sister, Jennifer McSweeney (Ed); his niece, Hannah Londono (Steven); his nephews Josiah Mepsted (Alana) and Jonah Mepsted; several great-nieces-and-nephews; several aunts and uncles, including special aunt, Lori Olson; and his parents-in-law, Sandy and Marcel Baril, all whom he loved dearly.

He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Jim and Rosemary Dowling, and Alan and Alyce Hodge; special grandparents, Russell and Lorraine Olson; and uncles, Robert Dowling, John Dowling, and Jimmy Hodge.

William had a passion for life that extended beyond his service and family. He was an avid fan of the Green Bay Packers and loved hockey. He found joy in traveling, especially to Italy, a place that held a special place in his heart.

William will be remembered for his strength, his kindness, his sense of humor, and the deep love he gave so freely. His legacy lives on in the lives he touched, the family he cherished, and the service he so honorably gave.

He will be deeply missed and forever loved.

Visitation with William’s family will be Wednesday, April 15, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. at McCullough Funeral Home with a funeral service immediately following at 11:00 a.m. in the chapel of McCullough Funeral Home. Burial will be private.

For friends unable to attend at this time, the service will be streamed live at https://www.youtube.com/@McCulloughFuneralHome via the McCullough Funeral Home’s YouTube page.

McCullough Funeral Home and Crematory has the privilege of being entrusted with these arrangements.