Dowd Kieslich

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Dowd Michael Kieslich, 56, at St. Vincent’s Medical Center on Saturday, December 1^st, 2018 after a brief illness. He was a beloved husband, father, son, brother, uncle, and member of Pinewood Presbyterian Church.

Dowd was born on March 23^rd, 1962 in the 36^th Tactical Hospital in the town of Moetsch near Bitburg Air Base Germany to MSgt. John Kieslich Jr. of Burlington, Vermont and Donna (Upthegrove) Kieslich of Canal Point, Florida.

While attending college at the University of Florida, Dowd met the love of his life, Le Don Thomsen and married on September 13th, 1986 in Neptune Beach, Florida. His devotion to his family was paramount. He was quick to joyfully help someone in need; his family, fellow church members, or simply the person in front of him.

Dowd was an avid RC airplane enthusiast and competed locally in IMAC competitions. He was a sportsman who enjoyed hunting and fishing. He was gifted with the mind and heart of an inventor and enthusiastically delved into a variety of hobbies including cooking, history, electronics, photography, and theology. He believed in continuous learning, earning an AA at the University of Florida, an AS in Computer Engineering Technology at Tampa Technical Institute, and (the latest milestone) a BAS in Organizational Management-Computer Information Systems from St. Johns River State College in December 2017.

He was exceptionally hardworking and dedicated, as evidenced by his progression from field technician to service manager over an 18-year career with Hobart. For the past 13 years, he has worked at Blue Cross Blue Shield while continuing his education. His tireless career efforts gave him the means to pursue his core passion of serving his family, the Lord Jesus Christ, and fellow brothers and sisters in Christ. In his faithful service, he was a church deacon, outreach volunteer, and part-time missionary in Odessa, Ukraine.

He is preceded in death by his father John Kieslich Jr., father and mother-in-law Dave and Marie Thomsen, brother-in-law Chris Thomsen, brother-in-law Ken Kensinger, uncles and aunts Edward Upthegrove, Robert and Cynthia Hoehl, and Paul Kieslich. 

In addition to Le Don Kieslich, his wife of 32 years, he is survived by his daughter Kelly Kieslich and son Zachary Kieslich of Middleburg, FL. He is also survived by his mother Donna Kieslich of Sebring, FL, brother Johnnee Kieslich (Cindy) of Middleburg, FL, sister Karen Kensinger of Sebring, FL, brother-in-law Paul Thomsen of St. Louis, MO, his niece Jennifer Kieslich of Gainesville, FL, and his nephew John Kieslich (Jordan) of Gainesville, FL.

Dowd’s life will be celebrated at the memorial service held on Friday December 7^th, 2018 at Pinewood Presbyterian Church, at 2:00pm with Rev. Dr. J.D. Funyak, Senior Pastor and Rev. Ren Zepp officiating. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Dowd’s honor to the American Cancer Society or to the Wounded Warrior Project.