Jerry Dowling

Jerry Dowling, beloved husband, father, grandfather, and one of Cincinnati’s most distinctive illustrators, died on March 7, 2026, at the age of 86. Born on November 16, 1939, Jerry brought the world to life on the page with precision, humor, and a sharp ink line that defined sports cartooning in the city for decades. He began his career in Windsor, Ontario, before joining The Cincinnati Enquirer in the late 1960s. There, his bold, biting caricatures chronicled the Big Red Machine, the Bengals, the Bearcats, Cincinnati hockey, and generations of athletes and entertainers. His trademark character, Dirty Rat, became a cherished fixture in the corner of his cartoons.

Away from his drawing board, Jerry was a devoted hockey fan, an avid golfer, a passionate lover of country music, and a talented guitar player. Above all, he cherished his family. He and his wife, Geraldine, were approaching their 60th wedding anniversary.

Jerry is survived by his wife, Geraldine; his daughter, Karen Wiesner, and her husband, Bill; his brother, Tony Dowling; and his grandchildren, Kevin and Emma Schlachter, and Jake and Kelsey Wiesner. He was preceded in death by his daughter, Shannon Schlachter; his brother, Robert Dowling; and his sister, Elaine Dowling.