Paul Alexander Dowhal, age 68, passed away on September 30, 2025, peacefully at his sister’s home comforted by his family.
Paul was born February 28, 1957 in Detroit, Michigan, the son of Alexander and Frances (Woods) Dowhal. His early education was in Livonia, Michigan, where he acquired the gift and joy of reading. This became a lifelong passion for Paul, consuming books of all types from early childhood through his adult life. His family moved to Chelsea in 1973, where he attended Chelsea High School and graduated with the Class of 1975.
After attending the University of Michigan for a short time, Paul felt the need to move on with his life. He headed to Marco Island, Florida for a year working in the food service industry. He left the beach and ocean for the ski slopes of Lake Tahoe with his sights on having his best life skiing, and that he did. During the early years he lived in Tahoe City and made many dear friends along with his dog and companion, Jahmers. The two hiked the mountains, swam and fished in the lakes and streams, skied the slopes and enjoyed life to the fullest. Working in restaurants for years, Paul and a friend eventually opened their own restaurant for a short run.
As the years passed, Jahmers, his beloved dog, passed, and he found another special dog, Winnie. The two traveled together in his motor home with his guitar, later returning to settle in Kings Beach on the north shore of Lake Tahoe.
Paul will be greatly missed by his family and friends. Following a sudden and short illness, his request was to come back home once more. His two sisters kindly obliged and brought Paul home to Chelsea to be cared for by his family and Arbor Hospice two weeks before his death. A special thank you all of the hospice team, but to Nurse Karla, RN and Aide Stephania, for their skill and compassionate care that made Paul’s days comfortable.
Paul will be remembered for his free spirt, his love of life, having fun, his laughter, and his love of conversation.
Paul is survived by his father, Alexander Dowhal; siblings, Andrea Dowhal of Manchester, Susan (Jerry) Huehl of Chelsea, James “Jim” Dowhal of Flushing; nieces and nephew, Kate (Derek) Huffman of Novi, Robert (Melaney) Huehl of Chelsea, Sarah (Justin) Hresko of Luddington; great-niece and nephews; Connor, Emma, Mark, Alexander “Alex”, Edward “Eddie”, Lucas, and John. Paul was preceded in death by his mother, Frances B. Dowhal.
A Celebration of Life service will be held on Saturday, October 25, 2025 at 4:00 p.m. at Sharon Church, in Manchester, Michigan. Family and friends are welcome to attend.
In honor of Paul’s love of his canine family, Jahmers and Winnie, memorial contributions can be made to a local humane society of your choice.
Arrangements by Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home, Chelsea.
