Douglas Allen Kowalski

Douglas A. Kowalski, (67), of Marysville, Ohio, passed away on August 9, 2023. Doug was born in Toledo, Ohio to Joseph and Evelyn Kowalski. After graduating high school, he went on to work at Jeep for 31 years, retiring in 2008.

No one who met Doug forgot his infectious passion for dog training. Even as a child, Doug had a very special bond with animals. He was fondly known to those around him by nicknames such as “Bird Man on Berdan” and simply “Dog Man Doug”. He was a very accomplished and talented dog trainer, winning several championships of his own as well as being a trainer for team Romy & Ole at the 2015 FMBB World Championship in the Czech Republic. They took first place! He demonstrated such commitment to excellence and worked tirelessly to perfect his craft. It was his true passion and hobby in life, and what he was most well known for. The only thing he loved more than training dogs, was being a father.

Doug was an avid storyteller and had a very playful personality to those he was close with. He always had a sly smile while telling a story, knowing that he was sharing some truths, half truths, and some outright lies – but also knowing that he had people hooked. He was continuously inventing new ways of doing things and would give most everything the ‘Doug Special’ which included taking things apart, losing some of the pieces, adding some new pieces, and then putting them back together in the ‘right way’according to Doug. He loved keeping things for years in case he needed it. Most notably, a roll of black duct tape that has been with the family for 20 years and has become an honorable family member at this point. If it was appropriate to include it in the ‘survived by’ list as one of his children, it would have been included and Doug would have laughed. 

Doug is survived by his daughter, Jordan (Ed) Caudill and two grandchildren, Cass and Jett Caudill.  He was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph and Evelyn Kowalski, and survived by several brothers and sisters.

Doug was very private and at his request, there will be no funeral or memorial services held. He would honestly be mad about an obituary being written about him but would agree this is a fair compromise. He played a unique and special role in many lives, and in lieu of official memorial services, please take a moment to remember him in whatever capacity he impacted your life. His ashes will be scattered in all his favorite places, and his family will be having a private celebration of his life at that time.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Douglas Allen Kowalski, please visit our floral store.