Duncan Cameron Fowler

Born August 26, 1939 to Eugene and Gretchen Fowler in Salt Lake City, UT. Duncan “Dunc” Fowler passed away peacefully June 18th with family at his side. He lived with pulmonary fibrosis for many years. Though he handled his illness gracefully, it was hard on him and now he is free. The family is grateful to the care of the staff at both Buffalo Hospital ER and Intensive Care at Mercy Hospital in Coon Rapids, especially the nurses, for the kindness and empathy offered to us in his last days.

Dunc grew up in Minneapolis, graduating from Southwest High School in 1957. He attended Michigan State University and graduated from the University of Minnesota. Dunc never really liked school, but he was an amazing person with an insatiable curiosity. Dunc had been active in Boy Scouts, including attending an international jamboree and was involved in emergency rescue work with their Minneapolis Fire Department. He could trouble shoot and fix just about anything, even with peanut butter. He had a deep concern for our country and the direction it seems to be heading. He adored his wife and children. It was important to Dunc to share his values and ethics with his kids, and they hope to continue to share his voice.

Dunc married Sally Plank in 1961 and together with their young family they journeyed to Alaska, April Fools Day 1968 where they lived for more than a quarter-century, mostly in Juneau. Dunc worked as a probation officer for several years, but he loved and was extremely proud to be the third Legislative Ombudsman for the State of Alaska, where he mediated and helped disagreeing parties find a middle ground. After his “so-called” retirement from the State of Alaska, he also worked as an Ombudsman in Iowa and King County (Seattle). True retirement was filled with many RV trips with the love of his life and their beagles, traveling throughout the US and Canada. Dunc was also active in the local Unitarian Society and the State of Alaska RPEA. Dunc and Sally also co-edited two books: “The Washburn Class of ’57 Reunion” book and “Around the Table with the Gang” cookbook … both labors of love!"

Dunc was preceded in death by his parents and parents-in-law (Clifford and Dorothy Plank), his granddaughter Keighley Woollums, his brother-in-law, Greg Shields, and many dogs. In addition to his wife Sally, he is survived by his children: David (Elizabeth Jankowski), Julie Fowler Wilson, and Susie (Kirk) Wulf. Grandchildren: Cassandra Fowler, Zoey (Matt) Peake, Sophia Wulf and Zia Wulf. Great-Grandchildren: Aiden Skeffington-Vos, Caelan Woollums, Kira Woollums, and Philip Peake. Sister: Laurie Shields. Brother-in-law: Perry Plank and Sister-in-law: Sue (John) Leighton.

A service of remembrance will be held on August 17th at the Lions Den in Ellison Park, Monticello at 4:00PM.

In lieu of flowers, gifts are suggested to the Pulmonary Fibrosis Association or the Juvenile Diabetes Association.