- Born on: June 30, 1921
- Departed on: March 6, 2005
Berl Downing
Two Sutherlins were waiting in Heaven with open arms to greet their dear friend. Thoughts, love, and prayers to Billie, Mark, Craig, Doug, and all the family. He'll be greatly missed...
To my beloved, respected, and very special Uncle Bill. Your unique spirit and strength will always be with us. To Aunt Billie, Doug, Craig, Mark, and families....we love you and are thinking of you at this difficult time.
My thoughts and prayers are with the family at this sad time. I fondly remember spending time at Berl and Billie's house with their granddaughter Nikki when we were younger.
I remember good times on Briggs Street in Fairfield--thinking of you all Nancy
My Condolences to the family Downing for the difficult time, to Margaret, Douglas Mark and my dearest friend Craig. I have the pleasure of meeting Berl he will be on my prayers.
Some of my favorite memories are of going to the State Fair and stopping by to see Uncle Bill. I felt SO important around my friends (and yes boyfriend, Randy!). He always seemed bigger than life to me. In my aging, I have come to love nature, animals, etc. From here forward, I am sure I will be meeting Berl on the trail. M
The boys and I will always remember the times we spent together. The boys remember that when they saw Grandpa the got money. I will forever try to figure out if the stories he told were true or half truths. (I'm thinking a little bit of both.)
Dear Family, I am so very sorry for your loss. Berl was such a special person. I have always held him in the highest regard and respected him to the fullest. I will always be grateful for his influence in my life and I will remember him always with great fondness. I have no doubt these, or very similar, words will be repeated by many because Berl was the kind of person that touched people's hearts wherever he went. Please accept my deepest sympathies. With Love Bonnie
My family's thoughts and prayers are with you Auntie Bill and family. I couldn't wish for Uncle Bill to do any more suffering and he is truly at peace now. He will be greatly missed by many, many people. We send our condolences and love at this time and always. Love, Marilyn Ford
Berl Downing family. Please accept my sincere sympathy. Berl was one of my training officers when I started as a conservation officer in 1969. I have now retired after 35 years, but will never forget Berl's warm smile and kind words. Sincerely, Don Simonson
I have yet to meet another person quite like Berl Downing. His stories, smiles & laughter were always cherished. I hope that someday, a child will look up to me as I looked up to him. My condolences to the family.
I recall that Uncle Bill had the smartest dogs that I had ever seen. Later in my life, I grew to realize that he also had great wisdom and strength; as well as a love of nature. His memory will live on in the stories that he shared. My love to his family and friends.
Berls' good nature and kindness will always be remembered. He knew I loved Walleyed Pike and whenever he caught some he would make sure Craig shared with me. It is a pleasure knowing the family. I send Peace and Love to you all. Lorraine
Growing up, I was always a little intimidated by Uncle Berl's firmness, but as an adult, I grew to love the tenderhearted gruffness he put forth. My memory of the wonderful stories he told at reunions, will always hold a special place in my heart. My love to the whole family. He is at peace now and his love will always be around you. Love, Kim, Chris, Haden and Kailey
A good man who I'm honored to have known and am better for knowing. They just don't make 'em like that any more. And I suspect he and Dad have already gone fishing at least once. My deepest condolences to the family.
...You'll always be in my thoughts, Bill. My conversations with you during the Menefee Reunions will NEVER be forgotten...Thanks for being one hell of a Great Uncle and may you rest in peace... Jeremy
What an incredible man. I enjoyed his stories and his jokes, always told with a mischievous grin and twinkle of the eye. He led an amazing life, full of life's richest experiences. I send my sincere condolences to all of his loving family.
I send my condolences and love to the family. As a soon-to-be member of the family, I never had the honor of meeting Berl, but I know that his fond memory will always be remembered by his wonderful son, Craig.
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this difficult time. I know that I really only had a brief meeting with you and Berl at Craig's home several years ago but with the close contact I have with Craig, I feel I know the whole family. With loving thoughts - Linda Howard
I would try to keep from signing my duck stamps since my Dad was a collector. One season, Berl gave me his pen to sign the stamp. For a number of years after that, when we met in the field, Berl always just walked up to me, pulled his pen out, handed it to me and began a conversation while I signed my stamp. He never forgot. An honorable and joyful man who is always in my fond memory.
My parents, Tom and Jean Jenkins (both deceased) of Decorah, spoke very highly of Berl and respected his work in Winneshiek County and enjoyed his sense of humor. Good man! Best wishes to all in his family.
