Casey Dowd's Obituary
Casey Ann Dowd, 93 of Moravia passed away Monday, January 5, 2026 at Oakwood Specialty Care, surrounded by her family. She lived independently in her home until nearly age 93. Casey was born to Emil & Johannah (Keegel) Kraber on December 21, 1932 near Eddyville, Iowa on her family farm.
From a young age, Casey devoted herself to caring for others. She helped raise her younger siblings, assisting in the delivery of her twin sisters, and later working as a nanny in rural Albia and briefly in Chicago.
She was united in marriage to Donald Dowd on April 21, 1961. To this union, four children were born: Rhonda, Audrey, Sheila and Donna.
Casey worked at the Monroe County Hospital as a nurse's aide, while cherishing her time as a farmer's wife and a homemaker. She raised her family in rural Moravia and enjoyed farm life. She could often be found helping move cattle, with her trusty walking stick in hand. She loved the great neighbors that lived at RR2 Moravia, and she was always quick to lend a helping hand. She loved cooking, baking, and meals with her family. She often said, "There's always room for one more plate." Casey planted a large garden year after year and enjoyed canning with her family.
Casey enjoyed volunteering in her community, spending countless hours working in the taco stands and band mother's tent. For many years, she enjoyed volunteering in the community building, watching over fall festival exhibits.
Casey enjoyed playing pitch, canasta and doing word searches. She loved quilting, putting puzzles together, and classic country music. Casey enjoyed spending time with her family and never turned down the chance to rock a baby. Casey and Donald spent time traveling in their motor home, enjoying winters in warmer states. They were members of Grace United Methodist Church, where Casey taught Sunday school.
Left to cherish Casey's memory are her children, Rhonda Spencer, Audrey Winblade, Sheila (Ken) Reistroffer, Donna (Chris) Beasley and Maria Isabel Castro Rebolledo; a special daughter from Colombia, South America. Grandchildren, Jamie (Justin) Anderson, Josh Spencer, Jessi (Ryan) Moore, Tracy (Adam) Bettis, Brad (Megan) Close, Scott Close, and Richelle (Kevin) Davis. Great grandchildren, Tyler Knapp, Karli Knapp, Cameron Nicoletto, Madison Nicoletto, Brooklyn Bettis, Simon Bettis, Hailey Close, Bradley Close, Jackson Close, Joseph Close, Akaelyn Davis, Olivia Davis, Sydney Davis, Elena Davis, and Aspyn Davis; her siblings, Mary, Joann, Agnes, Connie, Lawrence; and numerous extended family.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Donald; her parents, Emil & Johannah Kraber; and six siblings, Bonnie, Edwin, Emil Jr., Ellen, George and Clarence.
Visitation will be held from 10:00 am - 1:00 pm, Thursday, January 8, 2026 at Thomas Funeral Home in Moravia with family present from 11:00 am - 1:00 pm. Immediately following, a graveside service will be held at Hillcrest, with interment to follow. In lieu of flowers, Memorials may be written to EveryStep Hospice and may be mailed to Thomas Funeral Home, ATTN: Dowd Family, 501 North 18th Street, Centerville, Iowa 52544. Condolences may be shared at https://www.thomasfh.com or https://www.facebook.com/thomasfuneralhome.
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