Frieda Marie Dowker (Sutherland), 79, passed away unexpectedly on Dec. 26, 2016, at Appleton Medical Center from complications following surgery.
Frieda was the beloved wife of James Dowker Sr. and loving mother to Natalie, Julie and the late “Jimmy” James.
Frieda was born on Sept. 15, 1937, in Richmond, Michigan, to Cash and Verta Sutherland. She graduated from Gaylord High School, and married James Dowker Sr. on May 23, 1959 in Gaylord, Michigan.
Frieda was self-employed, having her own hair salon for many years on West Otsego Lake Drive in Gaylord before moving to Shawano in 1969. She was employed in housekeeping at Shawano Memorial Hospital for several years.
Frieda traveled with her husband for many years, enjoying numerous warm winters in the southern and southwestern parts of the United States. She absolutely loved being around her children and grandchildren. Nothing brought her more joy than to spend time with them, and she loved seeing the great-grandchildren grow through pictures on Facebook, since she was not able to get out much the last couple of years. She also enjoyed planting flowers around her home and watching the wildlife outside her home.
If anyone had a beautiful, kind heart it was Frieda. She loved her family, she loved her friends, and she will be deeply missed.
She is survived by her husband, James; two daughters, Natalie Dowker and Julie (Mark) Mazemke; grandchildren, Luke (Jessica) Dowker, Lynnae Dowker Henderson, Cameron Smith, Mackenzi (Alex) White, Jordan (Jacob) Coe, Mitchell Mazemke, Nicki (Bo) Wood, Staci Delzer and Kori (Reid) Peterman; and her beautiful great-grandchildren, Malia, Owen, Jameson, Grayson, Reeselynn, Brayden, Taytum and Syrus. She is also survived by her brothers, Cash (Amy) Sutherland and Jerry Sutherland.
Frieda was preceded in death by her son, “Jimmy” James Dowker; parents, Cash and Verta Sutherland; and sister, Joy Mankowski.
It was Frieda’s wish that funeral services be held privately for family only at Mickelson Funeral Service in Shawano.
Mickelson Funeral & Cremation Service of Shawano is assisting the family with arrangements.
Please share online condolences at www.mickelsonfs.com.